4. Find A Settled Back Four
Since their embarrassing capitulation against Liverpool in late December Rangers defence has tightened up considerably. They have conceded just the one goal in five league games, including clashes with Spurs and Chelsea, however this has generally been achieved by playing two defensive midfielders who screen the defence and contribute little else. It has meant that their soft centre is much less often exposed, but robbed the strikers of service. If Redknapp is to realistically keep the Hoops up then he needs to forfeit one of his midfield spoilers in favour of a more creative player and place some faith in his defence. And the best thing for this will be a settled back four. The addition of Christopher Samba should make a big difference (to matters on the pitch as well as the Rs accounts) but he needs a regular partner. It is a shame QPR couldnt have persuaded Ryan Nelsen their most consistent defender of the season so far - to at least stay until the summer. Anton Ferdinand has also departed, but he will be no great loss and should never have been more than a squad player. With the transfer window now closed QPR need to select Sambas partner from their current squad. The most likely candidates are probably Clint Hill or Tal Ben-Haim, neither of whom instil much confidence. Instead Redknapp could deploy Stephane Mbia in the centre of defence, a position he is more than comfortable in, and suddenly his back line looks much more formidable. The defence would also benefit from consistent selection at full back. Fabio, who is on loan from Manchester United, seems the best option on the left whilst the right back slot can either be filled by Nedham Onouha or Armand Traore. Whoever Redknapp picks he should show some faith in and stick with over the coming weeks.