THE BOYS are back in town!
Following last weekend’s disappointing league opener against Blackburn Rovers, Mick Beale and his side are finally back in W12 for our first home fixture of the 2022/23 Sky Bet Championship campaign.
Of course, this will be the first time the new Rangers head coach leads his side out at Loftus Road in a competitive fixture following his summer arrival in west London - and he will be keen to get off to a positive start.
However, boss Beale hasn’t been the only new arrival, with recruits Jake Clarke-Salter, Kenneth Paal, Tyler Roberts and Taylor Richards all looking to get their first taste of competitive action in W12.
The Super Hoops welcome Middlesbrough to the capital this weekend who, like the R’s, will be looking to clinch their first victory of the new campaign after kicking things off with a 1-1 draw with West Bromwich Albion at the Riverside Stadium last week.
Under the guidance of Chris Wilder, Boro will hope to build on last season’s seventh-place finish – with the arrivals of defenders Tommy Smith and Darragh Lenihan adding some vital experience to their backline. The signing of Marcus Forss also bolsters Boro's attacking options this year.
Middlesbrough at home has been somewhat of a stumbling block for the R’s in recent years, winning only three of the last eight meetings in the capital – with our last victory against Boro in west London coming back in December 2018.
Here’s to Mick Beale’s men improving on that record this weekend.
Live on QPR+
All overseas R’s fans can now purchase a live stream match pass for Saturday’s Sky Bet Championship fixture against Middlesbrough.
Match passes are priced at £10. We’ve four-camera coverage plus commentary from Nick London and Andy Sinton.
Supporters in the UK and Ireland – as well as those overseas – can access live commentary, from Nick and Andy, by purchasing a monthly or annual audio pass.
To buy a match pass or sign up to QPR+ CLICK HERE.
Supporters are reminded that, owing to the pending release of the new QPR App, anyone wishing to access QPR+ using a mobile device can do so by using their phone browser at www.qpr.co.uk/qprpluspass.
Tickets & Travel
Loftus Road Stadium
South Africa Road
London
W12 7PJ
If you are heading to Loftus Road for the first time, we have produced this useful Matchday Fan Guide to ensure you have the best experience possible on your visit to W12.
Tickets for QPR’s opening home league fixture of the 2022/23 campaign are now on general sale. Please note, there are less than 1,500 tickets remaining:
- East & West Paddocks - SOLD OUT
- Loft Lower - SOLD OUT
- Limited availability in South Africa Road, Loft Upper & Stanley Bowles Stand
We advise supporters to purchase in advance to avoid disappointment on the day.
Head-to-Head
QPR wins: 21
Draws: 18
Middlesbrough wins: 18
Team News
QPR: Chris Willock, Tyler Roberts and Luke Amos are all pushing for returns.
Middlesbrough: Paddy McNair will return, with Dael Fry also pushing for a start.
Pre-match Talk
Mick Beale (QPR head coach): “It will be a tough game; they’ve got a very good team – a team of men.
“We’re really looking forward to it – it’s important that we play on the front foot and entertain the crowd against a team who will meet us on the halfway line. This will be a good game.”
Chris Wilder (Middlesbrough manager): “QPR is a tough place to go especially when its atmosphere gets going but we must puncture that. Hopefully the competitive aspect of the team will shine through, it will be a difficult afternoon.
“If we want a good season then we must be competitive in every game, especially on our travels, and that starts at Loftus Road.”
Classic Encounter
QPR 2, Middlesbrough 1: December 15th 2018
QPR clinched an impressive 2-1 victory over promotion-chasing Middlesbrough in horrendous conditions at Loftus Road back in December 2018.
An early strike from Polish winger Pawel Wszolek put the R’s on their way, but quickly after the half-time break Rangers were pegged back courtesy of a strike from George Saville.
It was forward Nahki Wells - who had arrived on loan from Premier League side Burnley earlier in the campaign - who caught the headlines, though.
A well-worked move from the Super Hoops on the hour eventually led to the ball being hammered home by the Bermudian international.
Steve McClaren’s side then had chances to put the game out of sight, but Wells’ strike was ultimately enough to separate the two teams and move the R’s within five points of the play-off spots.
QPR Starting XI: Lumley, Furlong, Leistner, Lynch, Bidwell, Wszolek, Luongo, Cousins, Freeman, Eze, Wells.
Ref Watch
Referee Josh Smith will take charge of this weekend’s Sky Bet Championship clash with Middlesbrough in W12 – it will be Smith’s fourth all-time QPR game.
He oversaw three R’s clashes last season - our draw with Blackpool in November, our victory over Luton Town in March and the win over Derby County in April.
Smith started the 2022/23 campaign by overseeing Watford’s victory over Sheffield United at Vicarage Road on Monday evening.
He will be assisted by officials Shaun Hudson and Akil Howson, whilst the fourth official duties will be undertaken by Tom Nield.
