Two of the surprise packages of the 2022/23 EFL Championship season will go head to head this weekend with Reading travelling to Loftus Road in order to face QPR.
RealSport101's Harry Smith is on hand to provide a comprehensive preview of Saturday's EFL Championship battle, including team news, predicted starting XIs and predictions.
QPR vs Reading Team News
QPR boss Mick Beale will be without star winger Chris Willock on Friday night after the former Arsenal man suffered an injury in the 1-0 midweek victory against Sheffield United.
Expect Scottish international Lyndon Dykes to replace Willock with Tyler Roberts and Ilias Chair starting on the flanks. Taylor Richards is the home side's only other confirmed absentee.
In the opposition dugout, Paul Ince could hand a start to top scorer Lucas Joao with Tom Ince dropping into a deeper midfield role, as seen in the 3-1 win against Huddersfield.
Ghanaian international Andy Yiadom has an outside chance of featuring on the bench after his injury was deemed less serious than initially feared. Shane Long and Baba Rahman are among six other confirmed absentees for the visitors.
Confirmed Absentees
QPR: Chris Willock, Taylor Richards
Reading: Naby Sarr, Shane Long, Liam Moore, Scott Dann, Baba Rahman, Femi Azeez, Andy Yiadom
Predicted Lineups
QPR (4-3-3): Dieng; Laird, Balogun, Clarke-Salter, Paal; Johansen, Iroegbunam, Field; Roberts, Dykes, Chair
Reading (3-5-2): Lumley; Holmes, Hutchinson, McIntyre; Hoilett, Loum, Hendrick, Ince, Guinness-Walker; Joao, Carroll
QPR vs Reading Score Prediction
QPR have been the under the radar side of the 2022/23 EFL Championship season so far with the London club heading into the weekend's Friday night kick-off in fourth place following back-to-back wins.
Steven Gerrard's initial success at Aston Villa has been widely attributed to Mick Beale's influence, and it's clear to see why. A 1-0 away win against league leaders Sheffield United in midweek means the hosts are brimming with confidence ahead of the visit of Reading.
Their visitors will be no pushovers. Reading were tipped for relegation by most heading into this season, but have the opportunity to move top of the Championship should they win on Friday night.
Paul Ince's men followed up back-to-back league wins with a respectable draw at home against pre-season promotion favourites Norwich on Tuesday night, but their away form gives some reason for concern ahead of their trip to Loftus Road.
Score Prediction: QPR 1-1 Reading
Harry Smith's Tip: BTTS - Yes
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