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

The hosts began their campaign with a 1-0 defeat to Blackburn Rovers, while Boro drew 1-1 against West Bromwich Albion.

Match preview

Saturday's hosts experienced a change in the dugout over the summer, with the departing Mark Warburton replaced by Michael Beale, who left his position as Aston Villa assistant manager to take up the role as QPR boss.

As well as bringing in a new manager, QPR also signed Jake Clarke-Salter and Kenneth Paal on free transfers, while Tyler Roberts and Taylor Richards arrived on loan deals.

After finishing in 11th place last season, the R's will aim to make a playoff push this term, although they got off to a less than ideal start last weekend.

A trip to Ewood Park to face Blackburn Rovers ended in a 1-0 defeat after Lewis Travis grabbed what proved to be the winner in the 34th minute.

Following an opening day defeat, the R's have the opportunity to bounce back on Saturday as they attempt to extend their unbeaten league run against Middlesbrough to seven matches.

While the hosts are looking to avoid consecutive defeats, Middlesbrough will be hoping to add to the point they picked up in their season opener.

Chris Wilder began his first full season as Boro boss with a 1-1 home draw against a West Brom side that are expected to be fighting at the top of the table this term.

Isiah Jones grabbed his side's first goal of the season in the 10th minute, but a 51st-minute strike from John Swift ensured Middlesbrough had to settle for a point.

While their seventh-place finish last term owed a lot to the second-best home record in the league, Boro will need to improve upon their away form this time around if they are to secure a playoff place.

They could only manage six wins from their 23 away league games in the 2021-22 campaign, but they could signal their intent for the current season with a victory in their first away match of the season.

Queens Park Rangers Championship form:

Middlesbrough Championship form:

Team News

QPR will be without long-term injury absentee Jordan Archer, while Roberts is a doubt after missing the meeting with Blackburn due to a lack of match fitness.

Chris Willock and Luke Amos were also absent for the opening game of the season, but the pair are expected to be fit enough for a place on the bench.

After coming off the bench last weekend, Albert Adomah could be presented with a starting place for Saturday's contest.

As for Middlesbrough, they will welcome back Paddy McNair into the side after the defender missed the season opener through suspension.

Dael Fry was left out of the 1-1 draw against West Brom as a precaution, but the centre-back is in contention to start against QPR.

Summer signing Marcus Forss made his debut with a substitute appearance last weekend, and the Finland international is expected to be on the bench at Loftus Road.

Queens Park Rangers possible starting lineup:

Dieng; Kakay, Dickie, Clarke-Salter, Paal; Field, Johansen, Dozzell; Adomah, Chair, Dykes

Middlesbrough possible starting lineup:

Steffen; Dijksteel, Fry, McNair; Jones, McGree, Crooks, Howson, Giles; Watmore, Akpom

We say: Queens Park Rangers 1-1 Middlesbrough

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