Preview: Coventry City vs. Queens Park Rangers - prediction, team news, lineups

At a time when the Hoops have dropped down to sixth position in the Championship standings, Coventry are now in 12th place after three wins in a row.

Match preview

When Michael Beale rejected the opportunity to become the new head coach of Wolverhampton Wanderers, QPR looked to be a rejuvenated outfit having expected their boss to leave for pastures new.

However, out of nowhere, the Hoops have now collected just one point from a possible 12, scoring just one goal in the process and losing to bottom-placed Huddersfield Town from a winning position last weekend.

That was supposed to be the fixture which got QPR back on track, but it has instead raised further questions about their character and consistency upon retaining the services of Beale.

While the former Aston Villa assistant's reputation is not necessarily any lower than it was a few weeks ago, he will be aware that QPR eagerly need to get at least a point on the board on Saturday if they wish to put a positive spin on what has otherwise been a solid start to the campaign.

QPR still sit just seven points adrift of leaders Burnley, who play second-placed Blackburn Rovers on Sunday, but they are also now just three points clear of 11th spot.

Meanwhile, Coventry are the form team in the division when counting games played since September 30, transforming from relegation candidate to playoff hopefuls.

An array of games in hand have helped the Sky Blues' cause and Mark Robins's side have still played two matches fewer than many of the teams above them, but three successive victories have catapulted them up the table.

Most impressively, clean sheets have been posted in all three games with wins being recorded against Blackburn Rovers, Watford and Wigan Athletic respectively.

Goals remain an issue with just 19 coming from 18 outings this campaign, but forward Viktor Gyokeres has now taken his tally up to seven strikes for the season.

Although Coventry are still just six points adrift of the relegation zone, there is every indication that they should no longer have any concerns about a drop down to the third tier.

Coventry City Championship form:

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Queens Park Rangers Championship form:

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Team News

Callum Doyle is on standby to replace Michael Rose in the centre of the Coventry defence, with the latter needing to be withdrawn during the latter stages of the win over Wigan Athletic.

Unless Robins insists on freshening up his starting lineup, that could prove to be the only change to the team.

Jimmy Dunne is in line to replace Leon Balogun in the centre of the QPR backline, and further alterations are expected after the defeat to Huddersfield.

Taylor Richards could finally be given his first start of the campaign in a creative role, possibly taking the spot of Albert Adomah.

Tyler Roberts is again expected to miss out through injury on the same week that he failed to secure a spot in Wales' World Cup squad.

Coventry City possible starting lineup:

Wilson; Doyle, McFadzean, Panzo; Eccles, Hamer, Sheaf, Bidwell; O'Hare, Gyokeres, Palmer

Queens Park Rangers possible starting lineup:

Dieng; Laird, Dunne, Clarke-Salter, Paal; Iroegbunam, Field; Chair, Richards, Willock; Dykes

We say: Coventry City 2-1 Queens Park Rangers

A few weeks ago, we would have been backing QPR to edge a competitive encounter by the odd goal in three. However, we are now predicting the opposite scoreline, the Sky Blues consistently showing that they are capable of edging tight matches.

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