QPR aim to move on from Birmingham blip when they face Barnsley

Before their game at Birmingham last weekend, Queens Park Rangers had won four of their previous five Championship fixtures.

But a late turn around at St Andrew’s, thanks to goals in the 82nd and 85th minute for the Blues, ensured their run would grind to a halt by falling to a 2-1 defeat.

Charlie Austin’s fourth league goal since his return to West London had looked to extend Rangers’ impressive run and the 31-year-old’s form is currently keep his side away from away relegation worries.

Their opponents Barnsley are the Championship’s in-form team having won five straight and currently sit one point outside the play-offs, with a game in hand over sixth-placed Bournemouth.

R’s boss Mark Warburton was reflective about Wednesday’s opponents when speaking for the club’s website, the 58-year-old complimentary of Valérien Ismaël’s men.

“I see a team which has benefitted from being kept together, the likes of [Cauley] Woodrow, [Conor] Chaplin, [Alex] Mowatt, [Callum] Styles, keeping the team together. They were very close to relegation last year, they survived on the last day of the season but have got some good names in.

“They’re a good team, I think they are top of the division for pressure regains in the opposing half, they press with a real unity and intensity and they remind me of the Sheffield United coming up from the Championship.”

Ismaël was been an overriding success since his appointment in October 2020. With 15 wins in 25 matches, the Tykes have comfortably avoiding any fears of the drop and have their sights on loftier goals.

Ben Williams and Liam Kitching are the only absentees for the visitors and Ismaël has been delighted with recent displays from his team.

“I’m overjoyed with the performances of my team. We need our team spirit. Each and every player is important to us.

“We can still improve in many areas. I feel like we have more possibilities with our squad now. I am delighted to have these options.

“I’ve told the guys, it’s about our attitude for the rest of the season now. Stay hungry, stay focused and we start our job again at QPR.” – Ismaël talking to barnsleyfc.co.uk 

A win for QPR would distance themselves further from the relegation zone, whilst Barnsley could end Wednesday evening in the play-off spots if results fall their way.

Follow us on Twitter @ProstInt