Queen’s Park Rangers v Boro
MATRADE Loftus Road Stadium.
Saturday 5th September 2026 @ 15.00
Hot on the heels of a challenging away draw at Burnley, Boro travel to West London to face a QPR side who have been one of the surprise packages at the start of the season. Coach Julien Stéphan is clearly doing a good job so far in his second season. Currently unbeaten after four league games, they’ve won at Pompey [1-3) and at perennial Boro-bashers Blackburn (1-2). At home they drew 0-0 with Bolton and beat Cardiff 2-1. Their only defeat was a home Carabao loss to Millwall: the game finished 1-1, but the Hoops then missed all 4 penalties they took! You could argue that all 4 of their league games have been against sides which are expected to struggle this season and that the game against Boro is likely to be their stiffest task so far. Nonetheless, they’ll no doubt approach the game full of confidence. They have 10 points compared to our seven.
Stéphan had previously been manager of Rennes in his native France and won the Coupe de France with them in 2019. In 2020 his side finished third and qualified for the first time for the Champions League. He moved to Strasbourg and took them up to a 6th place finish in his first season, but results fell away thereafter and he was dismissed in his second season (2023) with the club in 19th. After a second brief spell at Rennes he was appointed QPR manager in June 2025 and Rangers finished 15th in his first season.
To get a view on our opponents I’ve used two pieces that appeared in the press pre-season, as follows:
Gazette / Press Association view:
QPR have made some key signings, including Tariq Lamptey, Finland international (and ex-Boro target) Glen Kamara and goalkeeper Pierce Charles, and if Julien Stéphan can iron out inconsistency in his second season in charge after signing a new contract, the Hoops should enjoy a stress-free season and avoid a relegation battle. Bottom half predicted.
BBC view:
Head coach: Julien Stéphan
Last season: 15th
Key ins: Calum Ward (Motherwell), Pierce Charles (Manchester City, loan), Boy Kemper (NAC Breda, free), Tariq Lamptey (Fiorentina, free), Glen Kamara (Rennes), Dennis Cirkin (Sunderland, free)
Expectations? Hopes appear to be quite high after a promising transfer window and pre-season. Can QPR bridge the gap against the higher spending teams in the division, because that is what it will take to reach the top eight? Progress will be a top-half finish but if they start well and have better luck with injuries then maybe they can push on further.
Strengths? The fact that Julien Stéphan has a season under his belt in the Championship should help, along with him being able to shape the squad more to his requirements.
Weaknesses? QPR conceded 73 goals last season. Only beleaguered Sheffield Wednesday conceded more across the season. Stéphan has to sort this out if they're going to be challenging further up the table this season.
Difference-maker? I have a hunch that (former Boro youngster) Rumarn Burrell could go well with a fair wind. He's got a lot of the qualities a forward requires to be successful in the Championship so if he stays fit and, crucially, if he gets good service, I think he could be a big hit.
Prediction: 13th
Boro have won all of our last 5 games against the Hoops, our last defeat coming in 2023. I remember Loftus Road as a ground where very often we suffered poor defeats. That picture has turned round in recent times, though. We have won our last 3 games there, 2-0 in March 2024, 4-1 in November 2024 and 4-0 last year, a game which Boro dominated from start to finish.
It would be nice to see us score 4 again this time, which, with our current forward options, might not be entirely beyond the bounds of possibility, though Rangers will no doubt give us a much sterner test this time. It’s at the other end where I think we’ll have problems. We’ve obviously been far too open at the back so far, as Blackburn showed, while at Burnley we again crumbled too easily under 2nd half pressure. We’ll need to tighten up considerably. Romarn Burrell scored both goals against Cardiff and will no doubt be fired up to prove a point against his old club. I can’t really see us keeping a clean sheet, though we do have strength in depth across the back now. Perhaps this is a game in which to start both Phillips and Jones? Might we need a bit more bite in midfield, too? Would we be stronger with Barron rather than Malanda for this one? One thing is certain: it’s high time we played both halves of a game with the same intensity and control!
Finally, being a pedantic, dyed-in-the-wool, stickler-for-correctness grammarian, I have given QPR the apostrophe we all know their name requires! None of this modern ‘it doesn’t matter’ rubbish for me!
Hi Clive, I remember being confused how to spell their name when I made my preview last season. There was a long debate about it in here. I quite agree with you that grammar should be respected. If we make too many exceptions to the rules, how can we know how to spell the next name or word.Finally, being a pedantic, dyed-in-the-wool, stickler-for-correctness grammarian, I have given QPR the apostrophe we all know their name requires! None of this modern ‘it doesn’t matter’ rubbish for me!
A good starter, too. Interesting and I am already looking forward to the match.
BTW, who is going to write the preview for Tuesday's EFL Cup match versus Crystal Palace? Perhaps Dormo, but we do not know where he is camping next week?
Good result against a promotion favourites yesterday. We must be good, if some supporters and the manager are disappointed with an away point. Up the Boro!
Thanks for the opener, Clive. 👍
Re the possible starting XI, KH reckons Pukstas is physically "ready to go", so he could well make his Boro debut at QPR:
I know there will be two away matches before the next two home matches. I don't want to wait untill those matches to ask a question.
Do they play Chris Rea's "Steel River" at the Riverside before the match? As an anthem.
If not anymore like they did last season, why not testing David Bowie's "Young Americans"?
Rokas Pukstas was added to an already strong American contingent in the Boro squad, with Sebastian Berhalter and Max Arfsten joining Aidan Morris in the ranks this summer.
Jus as an idea. Up the Boro!
Many thanks for the starter, Clive, especially whilst in transit!
Also a very belated thanks to Martin for the Burnley opener. Apologies it didn't come sooner - I didn't have too much time for the blog over the past days.
Glancing over the comments since, I'm a little less disappointed with the Burnley performance than most, indeed seemingly less disappointed than most over the season so far.
Maybe expectations have been raised, or we're still scarred from last season but I think having us in fifth with so many new signings is quite promising. We haven't put a stellar performance together yet and have looked good in patches only thus far but some points are on the board and I think there are some promising additions to the squad. We certainly look stronger on paper and are finding a way to accrue points as they bed in. The best is yet to come for me.
Jarkko raises a good point re the upcoming Crystal Palace preview. Any takers? If not, I'm sure I can fill in.
Thanks again Clive and Martin.
Thanks for your starter, Clive - full of info and very entertaining. Let’s hope we can continue with our run of wins against QPR.
I think Ayling could benefit from a rest, but who’ll carry the ball out of defence if he’s not playing? I’d prefer to see Malanda move back out of midfield but who’d replace him?
I still trust KH to know better than me.
Do we know if the game will be available from MFC Live?
Thanks Clive for you very interesting opener. The turnover at every Championship club is now so vast that I know next to nothing about any of the teams who play in it. Thanks to your article I now feel very well briefed about our Saturday rivals. Your points about the quality of the teams KPR (just to amuse Jarkko) have played as well as the confidence that their bright start may well have engendered are both very well made.
But I think the games so far have proved that the quality or otherwise of the teams we have played has been an irrelevance. If we can get our act together and play well we will win. If not, not.
I am setting great store and major hopes on our new wunderkind. If he plays and Sarmiento is fit ( that's something I didn't think I'd be saying after last season) then I think we will take some stopping.
With the Boro, optimism can always be immediately undermined by doubts and fears. We may now have one credible striker, and one genuine winger. What happens if and when either one of them (or heaven forfend, both) get injured?
@lenmasterman KPR?
Did you mean Kunigattaren Puiston Metsänvartijat? KPM that is ...
I will get my coat. Up the Boro!
A great Headliner Clive with lots of information on QPR.
What was interesting was that their incoming players were mostly on free’s.
As you said, it will be difficult game. QPR full of confidence and Boro I think a little short of it. Hellberg still has his balls in the air, has dropped a few and has still to really get near to his first starting eleven with the late arrival of a number of players.
I know it is still early doors, but get beat tomorrow and we will be six points behind them at such an early start in the season. You will always lose games, but we have more or less thrown away five points after only four games.
I know some on here are not overly worried about where we are, but we need to play well over 90 minutes and take our chances. To do the latter we need more shots and importantly on target. Two or three per match won’t get you anywhere.
Interesting article to read over a cup of tea, on where the EPL are on transfer fees. Especially Chelsea.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/ce87v0e868qo
I'll do the Palace slot if it's not already taken
@martin-bellamy. From MFC website: “ QPR v Boro
Live from MATRADE Loftus Road. Video streaming available in all overseas countries (excluding Nordics). Audio commentary available worldwide.” 😎
Does anyone have an update on potential sanctions against Southampton’s manager? I find it very odd that it’s taking so long to take action but maybe I’ve missed an announcement.
@martin-bellamy As far as I know, no decision yet. I have tried to follow all Soton news on the BBC web site.
I cannot understand the delay. Up the Boro!
Thank you Clive for a very informative and interesting opener produced whilst you are in transit; even more impressive.
I remember visiting Loftus Road on many occasions and very rarely if ever saw us win, particularly in the era of messers Bowles and Marsh.
Give the turnaround in our fortunes of late then unless we take all three points I will be disappointed.
Should we lose tomorrow then I don’t believe it will be as a result of being beaten by a better team but more down to our usual failings and inadequacies.
To my mind we have thrown away 5 points in the last two away games and should be sat top of the table unbeaten.
Very rarely in the last few seasons have we been outplayed by the opposition and we need to start putting together performances over 90 mins and capitalising on our dominant play; QPR would be a good starting point.
I think we should play Jones, Malander and Phillips as a back three with Brittain and Arfesten as wingbacks with Berhalter and Morris in CM. Front three of McGree, Lankshear and Joseph. 😎
@martin-bellamy. The last article I saw mentioned that an announcement would be expected this month.
It will probably be a slap on the wrist and he will also be announced as manager of the month at the same time. 😉😎
Has anybody seen any news on the Whittaker transfer? I’ve seen nothing and there’s no news of it on the Colorado Rapids website.
Thanks Clive for somehow fitting your nicely succinct QPR preview into your schedule - I must say I didn't have them as one of my challengers at the top this season - though then again nor did I expect to see Charlton and Swansea up there either.
Unfortunately, I am Mrs Werder's nonplussed plus-one for her colleague's late summer BBQ party on Saturday afternoon so was resigned to missing the game - thankfully the German weather has intervened and we just got a call to say they've rescheduled to Sunday - so already a result!
Team selection will be interesting and I'm expecting changes from the Burnley game - though was surprised neither Peart-Harris or Arfsten got on the pitch in midweek. I think we definitely missing pace so I'd expect to see both Sarmiento and Cozier-Duberry play some part - if not Pukstas too, who is already match-fit.
In defence, I see both Jones and Philips as ultimately the potential first choice pairing but whether Hellberg is easing everyone gradually in without overplaying those who are still a bit behind in terms of fitness is probably what influences selection - it's a long season and no point taking risks.
Should be an interesting game and QPR's good start may help it being an open game.
@lenmasterman KPR?
Did you mean Kunigattaren Puiston Metsänvartijat? KPM that is ...
I will get my coat. Up the Boro!
My Google AI translated that as Queens Park Forest Rangers - though even if they do turn up we can still say there's no F in QPR...
Dominic Shaw has posted on X: Whittaker confirmation will come today. Everything was sorted in time and he's travelled to Colorado for unveiling
@werdermouth I think I read that Sarmiento won’t be in the squad for tomorrow. Expected back shortly after apparently.
Werder Likewise Peart-Harris who got a knock against WBA, so was left out. He may be back on the bench, only if there is room.
Unless injuries kick in, some will be sat in the stands.
Thanks for the Dom Shaw quote. MFC website has now confirmed the deal is done. It’s a rather restrained piece which doesn’t say much about Whittaker’s record for us. Should I read into this that we’re not unduly sorry to see him go?
Yes not exactly high praise...
Everyone at MFC thanks Morgan for his efforts in a Boro shirt and wishes him well for the future.
@jarkko and CLIVE HURREN - Thanks for the Match Preview, Clive. I am with you on the apostrophe. We'll get people called Bill next, who insist their name is spelt Zephaniah even though pronounced Bill, yet want people to follow their spelling preference!
I am actually camping in a field just behind the New Inn, Cropton: the home of the Great North Yorkshire Brewery. Arrived yesterday and after the rain yesterday evening and overnight, and the gusty winds today, we are hoping for better tomorrow. I am here for a long weekend. I will not be able to do a match Preview for the Carabao Cup tie against Crystal Palace, but keep me in mind if a vacancy occurs in the list later.
I wrote/texted the above on my mobile phone. I don't have my laptop with me and it would be ridiculous for me to even try to do a Match Preview on my phone. I am sure you'd want a Preview in advance of the match!
I have bought a couple of lovely looking sirloin steaks (I generally prefer a bit of rump but these looked so inviting) at S Waind & Son, Butchers in Kirbymoorside. I can see them meeting their end very shortly.
I will look at the rest of the posts on this thread later if Mrs Dorno permits, having had time to read only the first two at present, but well done, Clive!
I have now read the intervening posts. Thank you, Len!
Thanks for the intro Clive. I personally don't have good memories of Loftus Road. I remember a league game in the late 70's lost 3-0, left early and missed seeing Stan Bowles sent off. Was involved with a Schools District side that played there when they had the plastic pitch, it was an awful watch with the ball bouncing really high. Middlesbrough had a really poor record there until recently. The first ever win was under Strachan when we won 5-1, which was also his first Boro win. There always seem to be goals in this game, and we have only lost 2 out of the last ten played there. A couple of stats from the BBC
Middlesbrough are winless in their last six away league games, though five of these have been draws and their last victory came at QPR in March (4-0).
No side has had more shots in the Championship this season than either QPR or Middlesbrough (70), while the Hoops have had more shots on target than anyone else (26).
Referee is Andy Madley, so a premier League official two Saturdays running. His last Boro game, the playoff defeat at Southampton.
@clive-hurren just caught up with your opener and wanted to post " Excellent " before reading on through the rest of the posts.
You hit the nail on the head so far as our defence is concerned, the Hoops must really fancy that they will be able to score today. Can we score 4 againat them again? I would think that highly unlikely. Even if we do get to dominate possession, unless we find some tempo and energy and imagination when in possession, we remain too easy to contain.
Will we concede? That I think is highly likely, unless we rediscover that quality from the first two thirds of last season, when out of possesion we chased every ball down, hunting in numbers and at speed.
Ayling has been great at times and does bring the ball out, but really is exposed for speed. Malanda in midfield.... not really good enough. Time to put Ayling on the bench and start Jones, Phillips and Malanda at the back, both of the latter being good to bring the ball out like Ayling does . Brittain and Borges either side.
The new boy Pukstas is already match fit, so in from the start for me, with Morris and Berhalter. McGree and Arfsten to start, with new boy Cozier-Duberry and Conway to swap in with 25 or 30 minutes left to play.
Not sure about up front...🤔
Maybe we go with that young Will Lankshear !
Vitek I know is a given... but he has to begin to dominate his box sooner or later if he is going to win me over.
Now I will read everyone else's thoughts to see just how out of line mine are....
CoB
PS... I am right there with you on the apostrophe