Queens Park Rangers and Reading meet at Loftus Road on Friday evening looking to continue their excellent starts to the 2022-23 Championship campaign.

As well as both clubs occupying playoff spots and being separated by just one point, whoever prevails in West London will move into the top two in the standings.

Match preview

Although QPR failed to convince under Michael Beale during the early weeks of the season, the former Aston Villa assistant coach was always going to be provided with time and patience in his first senior role in the dugout.

With 16 points coming from the most recent seven games, Beale is now at a point where he is surpassing expectations with the Hoops now only three points adrift of leaders Sheffield United.

Few people would have tipped QPR to collect a win from the same opponents on Tuesday night, but Chris Willock's goal early in the second half at Bramall Lane has kept his team in contention to move level on points with the Blades on Friday night.

While goals have dried up to a certain extent in recent games, Beale will be delighted with the defensive improvements with just one strike being conceded in four outings.

That level of return at the back is invaluable in the second tier, although it remains to be seen how QPR will handle being viewed as one of the most improving teams in the division.

Reading have had that tag for much of the campaign, the Royals instead challenging for promotion when the majority of people were predicting more struggles at the opposite end of the table.

Given a notable collapse in recent seasons, supporters will not rest easy until they approach the 50-point mark, but optimism should be high having earned a 1-1 draw with Norwich City on Tuesday night.

Jeff Hendrick, an integral part of this side, chipped in with his first goal of the season, denying the Canaries when they had been set to move into first place.

Reading's form away from home has been indifferent, but Ince has witnessed his side collect six points from five fixtures despite only scoring two goals.

Although that particular statistic will need to improve as the season progresses, Ince will be content to take every match at a time, knowing that every draw or win that they collect will give fans a reason to dream about a surprise return to the Premier League.

Team News

With Willock having sustained an issue with his hamstring against Sheffield United, the in-form winger is likely to sit out this contest.

Lyndon Dykes would stand to benefit, the Scotland international being used down the middle of the attack and Ilias Chair moving out wide.

Despite the quick turnaround, the remainder of the side could stay the same, the returning Jake Clarke-Salter having to make do with another spot among the replacements.

Having made two starts since the weekend, Andy Carroll may drop down to the Reading substitutes' bench for this game, allowing Lucas Joao to return in the final third.

Ince must decide whether to take a risk on Andy Yiadom, who missed the Norwich game with a hamstring injury, while Ovie Ejaria may be considered for his first start since August.

Queens Park Rangers possible starting lineup:
Dieng; Laird, Balogun, Dunne, Paal; Amos, Field, Dozzell; Roberts, Dykes, Chair

Reading possible starting lineup:
Lumley; Hutchinson, Holmes, McIntyre; Hoilett, Hendrick, Loum, Fornah, Guinness-Walker; Ince, Joao

We say: Queens Park Rangers 2-1 Reading

With both clubs having proven this season that they are capable of collecting points against any opposition, it would be foolish to completely write off either side. Nevertheless, we feel that home advantage could prove key for QPR, who may edge this contest by the odd goal in three.

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