Middlesbrough – QPR

Match analysis

Middlesbrough host QPR in what promises to be a tight clash at the Riverside, with the hosts perched just a point above the visitors in fifth place on 13 points from six games. Both sides have been solid defensively, Middlesbrough conceding eight goals while QPR have let in only five, but the Teessiders have a marginally sharper attack, netting 12 times compared with QPR’s eight. The two clubs have already exchanged points this season, and the encounter could see Middlesbrough extend their narrow lead in the table or see QPR leapfrog into the top five. With only one point separating them, the stakes are high and a single slip could reshuffle the promotion race.