Premier League preview: Arsenal v Queens Park Rangers

Arsenal host Queens Park Rangers on Saturday as they go in search of a win after dropping points against Wolverhampton.

Arsene Wenger’s men let a lead slip in a 1-1 draw against 10-man Wolves at Emirates Stadium, failing to gain ground on fourth-placed Chelsea, who remain a point ahead in the English Premier League.

After a 4-0 win over Wigan and a 1-0 defeat of Everton, Arsenal lost 1-0 to Manchester City before grabbing a 2-1 victory against Aston Villa last week.

Ivory Coast forward Gervinho has been a livewire up front for Arsenal this season.

His five assists and intelligent runs, along with Robin Van Persie’s 16 league goals, have been the key to Arsenal’s recovery after a slow start to the campaign.

Gervinho added his third league goal of the season against Wolves and Wenger will be hoping that Mikel Arteta and Tomas Rosicky can pick up their game against QPR on Saturday, while Theo Walcott is expected to return.

“Walcott is sick, he has a stomach problem. He is already better today. He could not come to training yesterday, but should be available for Saturday’s game,” Wenger said on Tuesday.

After three straight defeats – to Liverpool, Manchester United and Sunderland – QPR finally gained a point as they drew 1-1 at Swansea City on Tuesday, their first point since a 1-1 home draw against West Bromwich Albion earlier this month.

Neil Warnock started midfielder Adel Taarabt against Swansea in place of Shaun Wright-Phillips, and the move worked wonders for his team.

The Moroccan playmaker was behind many of QPR’s best moves, alongside goal-scorer Jamie Mackie, and both look likely to feature against Arsenal.

Heidar Helguson, who has scored seven league goals, will continue to lead the line for QPR although the Icelandic striker has not been as prolific as he was earlier in the season.

Just three points clear of the relegation zone in 16th, QPR have played better away this season, having won three times on the road and only once at Loftus Road.

Warnock’s defence have struggled, giving up 32 goals, while former Arsenal left-back Armand Traore will be keen to impress.