Queens Park Rangers will be aiming for another top-six scalp on Saturday when they host Bournemouth.

Rangers beat West London rivals Brentford on Wednesday to climb to 16th in the Championship, meaning a trip to Loftus Road will be far from easy for the sixth-placed Cherries.

Match preview

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QPR trailed at half time against the promotion-pushing Bees but two goals in the space of four second-half minutes from January loan signings Sam Field and Charlie Austin secured a 2-1 victory for the hosts.

Mark Warburton's men are now eight points clear of the relegation zone following an impressive turnaround in form since the turn of the year; indeed, they have won five of their six league games so far in 2021 after winning none of their final nine of 2020.

The transformation has effectively saved Warburton's job, and 31-year-old Austin has been in strong form, scoring three goals in six games since returning to the club.

Jonathan Woodgate has done well to steady the ship during his time in temporary charge, with a 1-0 win over Rotherham United on Wednesday being a third victory in four matches since Jason Tindall was sacked, but Bournemouth are said to be keen to appoint Thierry Henry as their new head coach.

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Philip Billing scored the only goal of the game midway through the first half against Rotherham, and Bournemouth are now slightly more comfortable in the playoff places with a six-point lead over Cardiff City in seventh.

The Cherries have a crucial meeting with the Bluebirds on Tuesday and then play fourth-placed Watford four days later so the trip to QPR will be vital for building momentum.

Only Brentford have scored more goals in the Championship than Bournemouth this season, but Woodgate's side have won just one of their last seven league away games.

Saturday's clash will therefore make for an intriguing battle as QPR's victory over Brentford was only their second victory in their last eight matches at Loftus Road and only five Championship sides have scored fewer goals at home this season.

Bournemouth have won just two of their last 13 meetings with QPR and last claimed victory in West London in 1959, while this season's reverse fixture finished 0-0 in October.

Queens Park Rangers Championship form: WWLWWW

Bournemouth Championship form: LLLWDW
Bournemouth form (all competitions): LLWWDW

Team News

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Warburton has named the same team for QPR's last two games and has secured wins in both so may be tempted to remain unchanged again.

However, Field will be in contention to start after coming off the bench to score against Brentford, with the 22-year-old potentially replacing Dominic Ball in midfield.

Fellow January signing Jordy de Wijs is still not fit enough to feature, while Luke Amos and Charlie Owens are long-term absentees.

Jack Wilshere is in contention to return to the Bournemouth lineup after being rested against Rotherham, while David Brooks could also start after appearing as a substitute on Wednesday.

Chris Mepham is fit again, but it could be tricky for him to dislodge Cameron Carter-Vickers in the centre of defence as the American has helped keep three clean sheets in his last three games.

Queens Park Rangers possible starting lineup:
Dieng; Cameron, Dickie, Barbet; Kane, Field, Johansen, Wallace; Chair; Austin, Dykes

Bournemouth possible starting lineup:
Begovic; Smith, Carter-Vickers, Kelly, Rico; Wilshere, Billing, L. Cook; Stanislas, Sturridge, Brooks

We say: Queens Park Rangers 1-1 Bournemouth

Both teams are on strong runs of form so this is a tight one to call. A couple of months ago, Bournemouth would have been heavy favourites, but they should not underestimate QPR, particularly after the Hoops' win over Brentford, and we think that this fixture will end level.

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