Preston North End v Queens Park Rangers preview: QPR a side very much in form ahead of their trip to Deepdale

Fortune can change quickly in football, just ask Queens Park Rangers who have worked up a real head of steam going into the clash with Preston North End at Deepdale tonight.

From late November and throughout December, the West London side could not buy a victory.

They went nine games in the Championship without a win and dropped down the table.

It’s been a different story in January and February though, QPR winning six of their last seven games.

QPR players Stefan Johansen and Charlie Austin celebrate scoring against Brentfordplaceholder image
QPR players Stefan Johansen and Charlie Austin celebrate scoring against Brentford

They’ve won four on the bounce, claiming the scalp of Watford away, then recording victories at home over Blackburn, Brentford and Bournemouth.

QPR’s run has caught the eye of PNE boss Alex Neil who thinks some good January recruitment has helped them.

Neil said: “QPR lost Bright Osayi-Samuel but brought in Stefan Johansen, Sam Field and Charlie Austin.

“The guys who have come in have all got out of this division before.

“Johansen went up with Fulham, Sam Field with West Brom and Charlie Austin has been promoted two or three times.

“This is a very different scenario to ourselves.”

Austin has scored three goals in seven appearances since joining on loan from West Brom.

QPR’s joint top scorers in the league are Lyndon Dykes and Ilias Chair with five goals, Austin pulling level with Macauley Bonne on three.

Former North End loan player Todd Kane scored their 83rd minute winner against Bournemouth on Saturday.

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