- NewsQueens Park Rangers
- Jimmy Dunne and Steve Cook are both carrying minor knocks into the opening weekend of the season after a friendly against Brentford. Both players will start if fit.
- Strikers Zan Celar and Michael Frey are both expected to miss the clash with Preston.
- If neither are fit, Ilias Chair could lead the line for Julien Stephan's side.
Preston North End- Summer signing Jordan Thompson has suffered a setback on his road to recovery and won't be able to feature on Saturday.
- Robbie Brady is also sidelined after damaging his calf in a pre-season clash with Manchester City.
- Brad Potts and Will Keane won't feature in the first month of the new campaign.
- Facts1There have been over 2.5 goals scored in Preston's last 6 games2Queens Park Rangers have won their last 4 matches against Preston North End in all competitions3Preston North End have conceded at least 2 goals in their last 6 England. Championship matches
- Prediction
A long-running injury crisis hampered QPR's 2024/25 season, while manager Marti Cifuentes was placed on gardening leave before departing for new divisional rivals Leicester. With Julien Stephan in the dugout and a host of shrewd summer acquisitions through the door, Rangers are ready to challenge in the top half this year.
There is not quite as much optimism in the away camp this weekend. Preston lost key striker Emil Riis to Bristol City on a free transfer, while incomings have been limited mostly to free transfers - albeit Odeluga Offiah looks a smart pick-up. Daniel Iversen should offer an improvement on Freddie Woodman in between the sticks, but the Lilywhites will likely be fighting at the bottom end of the standings in 2025/26.