Queens Park Rangers - Middlesbrough

Queens Park Rangers enter this matchday 5 fixture at Loftus Road carrying significant momentum, having secured back-to-back victories against Blackburn Rovers and Cardiff City. Their current run reflects a sharpening of their attacking edge, bolstered by the expected inclusion of Rumarn Burrell and Alfie Lloyd in the starting XI. Conversely, Middlesbrough arrive following a hard-fought draw at Burnley, maintaining a consistent presence in the Championship after their recent win over West Bromwich Albion. While they will be without the injured Jeremy Sarmiento, the visitors remain a formidable side capable of controlling the midfield through Aidan Morris and Riley McGree.

History suggests a challenging afternoon for the hosts, as Middlesbrough have dominated recent meetings, including a convincing 4-0 victory on 8 March 2026. Queens Park Rangers now face the task of overturning that trend on home soil. Whether the home side can maintain their current form against a side that has historically held the upper hand remains the central question of this encounter.