QPR fear raised over Derby County player ahead of Pride Park clash - he "could cause damage" | OneFootball

FLW's QPR fan pundit has stated that Carlton Morris could cause the Rs some problems at Pride Park

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

After picking up only their second win of the Championship campaign in midweek, Derby County are looking to create some momentum at Pride Park with the visit of Queens Park Rangers.

The Hoops have been on a strong run themselves, with the defeat against Millwall last Saturday being their only one since their 7-1 drubbing against Coventry City two months ago.

QPR have hit the front foot plenty of times due to their attacking firepower. Richard Kone and Ruman Burrell are proving a handful for opposition defences, but the Hoops' defence has shored up recently, too, with three clean sheets in their last six, including one in midweek at Swansea City.

FLW's QPR fan pundit, Louis Moir, feels that, for his side to keep a second successive clean sheet, they're going to have to be switched on and pay close attention to Carlton Morris.

QPR fan pundit warns his side about Carlton Morris threat

After netting in each of the opening four games, the former Luton Town frontman is on a seven-game goal drought. He's due a goal, and Moir hopes that QPR can be disciplined enough to ensure that it doesn't come this Saturday.

"Derby have been a team who have been bang average this season, but they have players, especially up front, who, when it clicks, can make them a tough team to beat, especially at Pride Park," Louis told FLW.

"Carlton Morris scored a lot at Luton, scored a few so far at Derby. He's one of those players who, if we're not tight at the back, could cause damage.

"He's comfortable scoring goals at this level, and if Derby get opportunities, he'll likely be the one to take them."

11 of the 16 goals QPR have conceded so far this season have come in three games, and Moir feels that, after an embarrassing start, the Hoops have started to put together a couple of strong defensive performances recently.

Derby, on the other hand, hasn't scored more than once since their 2-2 draw against Ipswich Town, eight games ago, which fills the R's fan pundit with confidence ahead of the trip tomorrow.

"We've been fairly okay at the back, tightened up a little and kept a few clean sheets here and there. With the way we are playing, I'm confident that we can stop Morris and the other players Derby have got," Moir continued.

"If we don't, though, he will score goals, like he's proven before. We don't want to be giving any opportunities or giving anything silly away, because he's a goalscorer at this level.

"Derby have a couple of other players who, on their day, can be decent as well, so if we can keep Morris quiet and don't give him chances, it won't stop them from doing anything, but it'll be a big plus for us."

Carlton Morris will be looking to continue his impressive record vs QPR

Of all the teams Carlton Morris has against in his career, only Coventry and Bristol City have seen him find the net more than his three goals against QPR.

The 29-year-old has also provided three assists in games against the Hoops, too, making the stat read six goal contributions in eight games vs tomorrow's visitors.

He failed to score last season against QPR whilst at Luton, but did bag a brace during the 2022/23 campaign at Loftus Road en route to promotion with the Hatters.

After shooting that blank last year, and also in his last seven Championship games, he'll be eager to get back on the scoresheet and hopefully propel Derby to their second consecutive win, and their third overall, this season.

Therefore, QPR will need to be careful. They've already slipped up and dropped points against the likes of Sheffield Wednesday and Oxford United. If Julian Stephan's side truly are serious about an outside play-off charge this season, they need to ensure they iron out those dropped points against lower-ranked sides, starting with the trip to Pride Park.