Middlesbrough is in better form and has fewer injury concerns compared to QPR for this match. Michael Carrick has managed to make Middlesbrough a competitive team that can beat any team in the championship. Carrick, has surpassed the late Jack Charlton as the best-performing Boro boss ever after 16 league games. Their recent record at home has been impressive, having won as many home league games across the last five as they did in the 15 outings prior. On the other hand, QPR's recent form has been poor, with a winless run of ten games in all competitions. They suffered a 3-0 home defeat to Sunderland in midweek, which extended their poor run of form. Playing away from home has not been fruitful for them either, having won just 1 of their last 9 away league games. Neil Critchley, QPR's boss, acknowledged that his team lacks heart and desire, and his side's injuries will likely weigh heavily on their performance and they have several important players who are unavailable due to injury. Balogun - defender, Clarke-Salter - defender, Laird - defender (26 matches), Diguri - attacker (28 matches - 6 goals), Roberts - attacker (18 matches - 3 goals), Willock - attacker (23 matches - goals). Taking all this into consideration, it does seem likely that Middlesbrough will win this match. Predicting a 3-1 home win.
