Van Persie with boots to fill at QPR

The gRs are worrying about being short of fire power for the clash with Arsenal - with Cisse, Campbell and Helguson all ruled out - but the big problem is likely to be at the back. Look at the squad being prepared for a game against a rampant Arsenal team and you just think ouch. Perm any two from Gabbidon, Ferdinand and Nedum? Talk about Hobson's Choice! Taiwo at left back? Nice free kick in him but is he really good enough as a defender? Luke Young? Maybe a couple of seasons back, but now? Clint Hill? Go ahead and make Van Persie's day!

I warned in January that Hughes was prioritising the wrong department of the team. Nedum was never going to be the defensive leader that was so obviously needed and, as I type, Van Persie must be selecting his favourite boots to fill this weekend.

But QPR shocked Chelsea so who is to say that defeating the Gunners will definitely be beyond them? The minimum target from this game must be a point. The trouble is, having climbed above Tottenham in the table, Arsenal, with confidence surging, will have a point of their own to prove. This is a huge test but a test Rangers must pass if they are to survive.