There are reasons to be cheerful on both sides of the fanbases here, but still much work to do for either to achieve their goals this season. Julian Stephan has found a way forward with QPR, using a new exciting forward line, but Oxford have also looked improved in recent weeks. Something might have to give here.

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📈 QPR v Oxford Form & Tactics

QPR are now unbeaten in four Championship matches since their nadir of losing 7-1 at Coventry. This is clearly a great response from the squad, and perhaps indicates the mindset that they are able to produce as a group. A positive sign for Stephan, and they have scored in each of their Championship matches so far.

As one would expect, it is QPR’s attack which captures the imagination, though their defence has improved as well since their shellacking at the CBS. They had won three matches in a row, so they will be slightly disappointed that they weren’t able to extend that run at Hillsborough last weekend.

QPR are in the top 10 for shots on target and big chances created, but only 15th in the league for xG, this would suggest that they are taking a number of shots from disadvantageous positions. Their defence is doing well in clearing the ball though, Rangers have had more clearances per 90 than any other team, at 34 per match.

Oxford will be disappointed not to get anything from their home game against Sheffield United last time out, as they had more than enough shots and chances. Any point there would have kept up some momentum that they generated from their excellent 3-1 away win at Ashton Gate, and their 2-2 draw with Leicester prior to that. As it is, they sit in the bottom three of the table still, despite those green shoots of performances we have seen.

Oxford are not a possession-heavy side. They are 23rd in the Championship so far for average possession per match (42.4%), but they have been effective enough with that ball, currently sitting 11th in the league for xG generated (8.8 xG). They have collected the 2nd-fewest cards in the competition, with only six yellows being shown to the Yellows.

📔 QPR v Oxford Formation & Team News

QPR have settled into a 4-2-3-1 shape under Julian Stephan. The forwards are expected to be flexible, but there are common traits about them. All are speedy, which indicates how Stephan expects Rangers to play, a quick, direct transitional game. Sam Field, a long time stalwart in the QPR midfield, seems to have been edged out for a pair of Jonathan Varane and Nicolas Madsen, which is interesting to see.

There are no new injury concerns for QPR from the weekend, with Ilias Chair remaining unavailable. Kwame Poku and Jake Clarke-Salter are also still out.

Oxford have been much improved since seeing Brian De Keersmaecker establish himself in midfield alongside Cameron Brannagan. There is a touch of the old school about Gary Rowett's setup, with Nik Prelec having been introduced alongside Will Lanskhear, which has made Yellows’ shape more of a 4-4-2, with Placheta and Filip Krastev playing as wingers. This means that Jack Currie and Brodie Spencer tend to stay at home and form a narrow back four.

Matt Phillips is unavailable to play against one of his former clubs after picking up a recent injury. Oxford are expected to be unchanged from the weekend.

Football Predictions at Andy's Bet Club

ABC is your hub of Free Expert Football Tips, including gameweekly EFL Predictions. These QPR v Oxford Betting Stats provide further insight.

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* I recommend waiting for confirmed team line-ups before placing any bets.

* All odds displayed correct at the time of publishing.