Middlesbrough play host to Queens Park Rangers on Saturday afternoon looking to heap further pressure on second-placed Sheffield United in the automatic promotion race.

At a time when Boro sit seven points adrift of the Blades, QPR have dropped down to 17th position in the standings after a dismal run of form under Neil Critchley.

Match preview

There have been points in recent matches where Boro have looked like losing momentum, particularly on their recent trips to Cardiff City and Sheffield United.

However, having positively responded to being pegged back in South Wales to eventually prevail 3-1, Michael Carrick's side came from behind to post a potentially-pivotal victory by the same scoreline against the Blades.

The fixture at Bramall Lane felt like a must-win, and Chuba Akpom and Cameron Archer again got on the scoresheet to move the North East outfit closer to their direct rivals for second spot.

Carrick has now won 12 of his 17 matches in charge, yet he will accept that his current win-ratio will still likely need to improve if the club are to overtake their rivals for a return to the Premier League.

While Akpom now has 17 Championship goals to his name during 2022-23, Aston Villa loanee Archer has chipped in with three strikes and two assists from just 377 minutes of football.

QPR had been hopeful that Critchley would carry on the positive work from Michael Beale's reign when he was appointed as the club's new head coach late last year.

Instead, just eight points have been collected from 10 matches in the second tier, already leaving the former Blackpool boss under pressure at Loftus Road.

Although a change in the dugout would feel harsh at this stage, QPR have gone from promotion candidates to sitting just nine point clear of the relegation zone ahead of one of the most difficult fixtures on their calendar.

Trips to Rotherham United and Blackpool are also on the horizon, and Critchley will recognise that he needs to deliver just his second win sooner rather than later.

The Hoops have lost three of their most recent four fixtures, their only point during that time coming away at struggling Huddersfield Town.

Team News

Barring any injury issues, Carrick may stick with the same Boro XI which started the impressive triumph at Sheffield United earlier this week.

If fresh legs are to be introduced to the team, Matt Crooks and another Villa loanee in Aaron Ramsey are the most likely inclusions.

However, midfielder Jonny Howson is one yellow card away from a two-match ban, something which may be taken into account by Carrick.

In sharp contrast, alterations to the QPR starting lineup appear inevitable, with Stefan Johansen potentially returning to add more experience.

Osman Kakay may feature on the right flank, whether that be at full-back or wing-back with a change of system a possibility for the visitors.

Middlesbrough possible starting lineup:
Steffen; Smith, Fry, Lenihan, Giles; Howson, Hackney; Forss, Akpom, McGree; Archer

Queens Park Rangers possible starting lineup:
Dieng; Kakay, Dickie, Dunne, Paal; Field, Johansen, Iroegbunam, Chair; Lowe, Martin

We say: Middlesbrough 3-0 Queens Park Rangers

As we have learned in the Championship over years gone by, anything can happen, and it would be naive to completely rule out QPR. However, these two clubs are clearly on different trajectories right now, and we can only back another convincing victory for Boro.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

Previews by email