QPR Vs Newcastle United - Premier League Head-To-Head Analysis

1. Forwards: Charlie Austin (QPR) Vs Papiss Cisse (NUFC)

These two strikers have managed to net 28 goals between them this season - despite their sides being 17th (Newcastle) and 20th (QPR) in the Premier League respectively. That is no mean feat. What's more, if media reports are to be believed, Charlie Austin could soon be joining Papiss Cisse on Tyneside this summer - if the Senegalese striker also remains with the Toon, that is. When comparing the two forwards, it immediately becomes obvious that their stats are very, very similar. Austin has made 33 Premier League appearances this season (all as a starter) and he has contributed four assists and netted 17 goals, placing him fourth in the scoring charts. Cisse meanwhile has played 20 times (10 as a starter, 10 as a substitute), and he has contributed one assist and netted 11 times.

Interestingly, although Austin has netted more times, Cisse averages a goal every 97 minutes compared to the QPR forward's 170 minutes per strike. Clearly Cisse is an out-and-out finisher, while Austin has a lot more to his game in terms of hold up play - but both have been vital to their sides in terms of goals. Elsewhere, Austin leads the stats in almost every other department - he averages a greater number of tackles per game (0.6 to 0.4), more key passes per game (0.6 to 0.4), and a higher amount of dribbles per game (0.4 to 0.3).

Verdict: This one is another coinflip. Both contribute goals, but they have different strengths. Austin is probably the better all-round player, but Cisse's goals-per-minute ratio right now is off the charts. Due to Cisse's lack of fitness right now it is tempting to opt for Austin, but either would be a massive asset - and NUFC fans will hope to have both lining up alongside one another in black-and-white shirts next season... For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow WhatCultureNUFC on Twitter and Facebook.