Three defeats in their last four have dented Queens Park Rangers' hopes of an unlikely playoff push somewhat after a very good run of consecutive wins earlier in the season. Marti Cifuentes can still lead the Rs to Wembley but they must get back on the right track. Theoretically, a game against a relegation-threatened opponent at home would be the perfect way to do that but the visitors will be buoyed by a brand new manager.
John Eustace shocked EFL fans when he decided to leave promotion-chasing Blackburn Rovers for Derby this week. The new Rams boss has admitted that this move was a "huge risk" and he will be entering a baptism of fire tonight against a very dangerous QPR side. Eustace will hope that the famed 'new manager bounce' can help him reverse a run of nine league games without a win and earn Derby their first league win since December at Loftus Road.
Queens Park Rangers vs Derby County Team News
Cifuentes is unable to call upon some very important members of his squad as Zan Celar, Jake Clarke-Salter, Karamoko Dembele and Lucas Andersen all remain sidelined through injury. Paul Smyth is also doubtful after coming off early last time out against Coventry.
Dajaune Brown, Corey Blackett-Taylor and Curtis Nelson are injured on the visitors' side.
Queens Park Rangers vs Derby County Possible Lineups
Yang Min-Hyeok could make his debut for the hosts, especially if Paul Smyth's knock proves to be too big a problem for him to overcome before kick-off.
Queens Park Rangers Predicted Lineup (4-1-4-1): Nardi; Dunne, Cook, Edwards, Paal; Colback: Yang Min-Hyeok, Field, Chair, Saito; Frey
It's difficult to predict which way John Eustace will go, but having been at the club for a matter of days, he is unlikely to change much for fear of confusing his new players before he has a chance to get some real training done with them.
Derby County Predicted Lineup (3-5-2): Widell Zetterstrom; Nat Phillips, Clarke, Langas; Jackson, Adams, Ozoh, Goudmijn, Elder; Mendez-Laing, Salvesen
Queens Park Rangers vs Derby County Prediction
Expect John Eustace to have an instant impact and bring a battling performance out of Derby. The Rams will likely come away with a crucial win on the road.
Prediction: QPR 1 - 2 Derby
Championship action under the floodlights on a Friday night is always a pleasant sight, especially when there's narrative, and the arrival of John Eustace will give this match plenty of that.
Fans in the UK can QPR vs Derby on TV or via live streaming on Sky Sports.
