Chris Wilder’s Middlesbrough take the trip down to west London to take on Michael Beale’s QPR.
QPR massively struggled in their opening game against Blackburn, failing to achieve a shot on target all game. However Beale’s first game in charge wasn’t all doom and gloom, the R’s looked very good defensively, with new signing Jake Clarke-Salted the standout. They’ll need to replicate that defensive performance if they want to pick up any points tomorrow.
Middlesbrough on the other hand played very well in their opening game against West Brom, but their many big chances wasted led to Boro only picking up a point. Boro’s wing backs Isaiah Jones and Ryan Giles looked absolutely incredible, and no doubt Wilder will be utilising their deadly crosses into the box throughout the 90 minutes tomorrow.
Despite what Middlesbrough lack in finishing chances, QPR themselves need to create more chances if they want to stand a chance at picking up the three points. Last time out, the R’s only had one shot in the box and that was a poor attempt from Ilias Chair.
Last time these two sides met up was in February, when QPR didn’t know how to handle, last Saturday’s goal scorer, Isaiah Jones on the Boro right hand side. Rangers’ new left back Kenneth Paal will have to do a better job defending the Boro youngster than Lee Wallace did six months ago.
Marcus Forss could make his first start up front for Middlesbrough after signing for £3m from Brentford just before last weeks fixture. A big addition to a team who desperately needs a finisher.
Both teams are expected to have a full squad for tomorrow, with Middlesbrough defender Paddy McNair returning from his suspension which kept him out of last weeks game.
England women’s Euro hero Chloe Kelly will make an appearance on the pitch before kick off at Lofus Road tomorrow, and will be in the stands during the game supporting her beloved QPR.
It’ll be a tough game for both sides, the similar formations will even out the threats from the wing and Middlesbrough could struggle to create chances through the middle having not yet replaced Marcus Tavernier who left for Bournemouth for £12m last week.