Welcome to our Thursday lunchtime QPR webchat.
The international break is as good a time as any to take stock on the season so far as we analyse where the club needs to improve moving forward.
The Hoops are on a run of five games without a victory, causing concern amongst the fans, while the Oakland regeneration is also kicking on.
It's hard to get your football fix during the international break, but we're here to ensure you're kept in the loop with all things QPR.
Get your questions in using the form below and Hoops reporter Phil Spencer will do his best to answer any you may have.
That's that!
Thanks for tuning in, we’ll be doing another webchat next week so be sure to get involved!
Final question from Scott: Who is better out of Josh Scowen or Luke Freeman?
It sounds like I’m sitting on the fence, but they’re both as important as each other.
The truth is, Freeman would not be allowed as much freedom if it wasn’t for the role carried out by Josh Scowen, and a lot of what Scowen does goes unnoticed as he quietly goes about his business.
However what’s certain is that the duo, alongside Massimo Luongo have formed an excellent unit in midfield which appears to be getting the best out of each player individually which is something not to be sniffed at.
What does the future hold for Yeni Ngbakoto?
It’s not definitive, but you have to say it doesn’t look good for the DR Congo international.
Yeni hasn’t featured regularly in Ian Holloway’s plans, and when he has he’s been played out of position and failed to impress.
There was talk of a departure over the summer, but according the sources Yeni was keen to stay and fight for his place at the club.
One thing’s for certain, the 25-year-old will need to get his head down if he’s to convince Ian Holloway to trust him in the team, and if he can’t then I wouldn’t be surprised to see him move on in January.
Beth: How likely is it QPR will spend money in the January window?
The business done by QPR over the summer has proven to have been really effective as they look for bargains, loans and players who are very much in the upward curve of their career.
This, alongside looking more at the personality of the player, has ensured that the team is a close-knit unit, and this is something that the club will be very aware of moving forward.
The club are very much still watching their money and so are extremely unlikely to start throwing money around in January, and will stick to the same approach to the summer as they look to gradually build up a squad of young and hungry players.
Peter: What would you say QPR's best starting XI?
It’s a tough one as the team should depend on the opposition.
My starting XI based on current availability would be:
(5-3-2) Smithies, Wszolek, Baptiste, Lynch, Robinson, Bidwell, Luongo, Scowen, Freeman, Washington, Smith.
For me, Matt Smith should be introduced to the starting XI as he provides a real threat in attack; something which we haven’t had of late.
Jamie Mackie has done excellently in the role of pressing the defence, but It’s important to have a clear goal-scoring threat and I think playing Smith alongside Conor Washington would give the Hoops the best chance of posing a threat.
Kathy: What have you made of Jack Robinson this season?
I think Jack has exceeded all expectations this season, including his own!
It’s been a difficult time for Robinson over the last couple of years as he’s struggled massively with sustaining his fitness.
Even after a solid pre-season, the club were still being cautious with him, and even considered sending him out on loan in order to build up his fitness further, but a number of defensive injuries have given him a chance to shine; and boy has he taken it.
He’s certainly one of the first names on the team-sheet, and appears keen to make up for lost time as he looks to retain his place in Ollie’s team.
Colin: Do you think Steven Caulker can force his way into the side?
Thanks for the question, Colin.
I 100% think Caulker can force his way into the side.
A lot has been said about matters off the field, but by all accounts, Caulker is progressing well as he looks to get his career back on track.
He’s being eased back into the first team fold, and has looked relatively solid in the appearances he’s made, although he has naturally appeared slightly rusty.
Holloway is right not to throw Caulker back into the team, but In my view it is time for Caulker to become a more regular feature in the team, as he certainly has an awful lot to offer, and will keep getting better as his match fitness improves.
It’s been a difficult time for him, but class is permanent and I certainly think that Caulker will want to show what he’s capable of over the coming months.
Tom: What are the reasons behind the club's poor recent run of form?
It’s been a difficult month for QPR, and I think Ian Holloway will be pleased to have reached the international break.
As well as a couple of key injuries, the Hoops have struggled against teams with whom they were expected to get a result against.
Draws against Millwall, Burton and Barnsley were really disappointing, with these being fixtures that a confident QPR team will have hoped to use to get some points on the board.
The team which has been selected is more tailored to a counter-attacking set-up, and not one for games where the club need to be the dominant force.
I also think that the Hoops have been weak in attack, as they struggle to create clear-cut chances.
Jamie Mackie has done excellently up top in the role of pressing high up the pitch, but ultimately I think he needs a target man around him so he can sweep up any loose balls in an attempt to retain possession in the final third.
Steve: Why do you think Luke Freeman has been so good this season?
It’s been an excellent season so far for Luke Freeman.
The former Bristol City man has been instrumental for the Hoops in their attacking play, scoring two goals and getting four assists.
As well as this, he’s ranked top of the Championship for shots (25) and key passes (18), while sitting second for successful dribbles (16).
In my opinion, Freeman has been the Hoops’ top performer this season and has been rewarded with his nomination for the PFA Fans player of the month award.
His positivity on the ball has been the difference between him and his team-mates, and it’s crucial that those around him step up to alleviate the pressure on Freeman so that the team aren’t overly reliant on him.
It’s also vital that the club keep him fit so that he can look to maintain his form over the coming weeks and months.
Justin: What is the latest on the Oaklands regeneration?
Thanks for the question, Justin!
Work has begun on the Oaklands regeneration site on Old Oak Common Lane, where 600 new homes are to be built in a joint venture between QPR and Genesis Housing Association.
The regeneration is part of a plan to secure QPR’s long term future by finding a sustainable new home for the club.
Nothing has been confirmed, but the club say they are still looking at new sites for a new stadium.
Residential development to fund stadium construction has been used successfully by other football clubs to create stadiums that can be used all year round for a variety of commercial and community uses, generating extra revenue for the club.
Loftus Road is currently the third smallest ground in the Championship, and lies virtually empty much of the year as it is not suitable for significant non-matchday use.
