Middlesbrough will be looking to secure a second win of the week on Saturday afternoon.
Michael Carrick‘s side picked up just their second win in their last eight games on Wednesday night.
That came as they recovered from a goal down to beat Norwich City 3-1 at The Riverside Stadium.
Next up for ‘Boro this weekend, is a trip to Loftus Road to face a resurgent QPR. While they are in a relegation battle, the hosts go into this one in good form.
They had won three straight games – including away at league Leicester City – prior to a 2-2 draw with West Brom in midweek, a game they will feel they should have won as well.
Middlesbrough therefore, look as though they will be facing a tough task on their trip to London this weekend.
Latest Middlesbrough team news
Speaking after that win over Norwich City, Carrick confirmed that midfielder Hayden Hackney will be out until after the international break due to injury.
Centre back Dael Fry, left-back Alex Bangura and striker Josh Coburn also look set to be unavailable for Middlesbrough against QPR.
Meanwhile, another central defender, Darragh Lenihan, and right-back Tommy Smith, have long since been ruled out for the rest of the season by injury.
How could Michael Carrick line up vs QPR
Having switched to a back five against Norwich City, Carrick will have to decide if he wants to stick with that formation or revert to a back four.
Given the threat QPR are posing at the minute, it may be no huge surprise if Middlesbrough do once again line up in a back five.
Seny Dieng is ‘Boro’s first choice goalkeeper this season, so should continue between the posts here.
With injuries meaning there is a lack of alternative options, Paddy McNair, Rav van den Berg and Matt Clarke may once again operate as the central defensive three.
Luke Ayling and Lukas Engel both impressed on Wednesday, with the latter scoring his first home goal for Middlesbrough in that win. They may therefore once again start in the full-back roles.
Jonny Howson impressed after returning, seemingly ahead of schedule, in the midweek win. He could partner Lewis O’Brien in the centre of the park.
Alex Gilbert came off the bench for ‘Boro on Wednesday. With little left to play for in the table, this may be a good time to give the 22-year-old his first start for the club in the number ten role.
Both Emmanuel Latte Lath and Marcus Forss were on the scoresheet in midweek. That could put them in a strong position to lead the line for Middlesbrough again on Saturday.
Here is how we think Middlesbrough could line up vs QPR:
Dieng (GK)
Engel
Clarke
van den Berg
McNair
Ayling
O’Brien
Howson
Gilbert
Latte Lath
Forss