QPR can cause an upset against in-form Arsenal, insists Mark Hughes

Mark Hughes insists Queens Park Rangers can get a result against Arsenal at Loftus Road on Saturday, despite the Gunners “exceptional” form.

Arsenal make the trip across London fresh from seven successive victories in the Premier League, and the Gunners edged to a narrow 1-0 win when the two sides met at The Emirates on New Year’s Eve.

But Hughes, whose side stumbled to 3-1 defeat at Sunderland last weekend, is optimistic Rangers can replicate their determined performance against Liverpool and secure a precious three points.

“At the moment, and unfortunately from our point of view, Arsenal are playing exceptionally well,” said Hughes.

“We would have preferred to have gone up against them when they were struggling. So it’s going to be a big test for us.

“But we fancy our chances at Loftus Road. We were exceptional last time out and no-one has come to Loftus Road and really turned us over, so we don’t expect that to happen this weekend.”

Arsene Wenger’s side endured a difficult start to the season, collecting seven points from a possible 21 – a run which included a home defeat by Liverpool, and losses at Old Trafford and White Hart Lane.

Hughes believes the Gunners revival has been aided by the return of full-backs Bacary Sagna and Kieran Gibbs, coupled with key players, such as Robin van Persie and Tomas Rosicky hitting top form.

“They’re playing exceptionally well,” added Hughes. “Obviously winning games helps and their confidence has grown as a consequence of that.

“Maybe when they were struggling earlier in the season, the threat from wide areas wasn’t as forthcoming as it possibly is at the moment.

“The return of Bacary Sagna and Kieran Gibbs have helped and given them a real option out wide which all the good Arsenal sides have always had in the past.

“Tomas Rosicky is also playing exceptionally well at the moment so they’ve got key players who are performing at the top of their ability.”