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The season is only three days but QPR are back in action at Loftus Road.

Following the Hoops’ impressive 2-0 victory over Reading in the Sky Bet Championship opener, attention now turns to the newly-named Carabao Cup as Ian Holloway’s side take on Northampton Town.

The Cobblers got off to an unsteady start to the season, losing their League One opener against Shrewsbury Town 1-0; something they will be looking to put right in West London.

Northampton Town have are a side capable of a potential banana skin for QPR, and Holloway will be determined to start the season with back-to-back wins.

The Hoops boss has confirmed that Steven Caulker is set to make his first competitive appearance since October 2016, while he’s also expected to give run-outs to Ariel Borysiuk and Ryan Manning, as well as a number of other changes.

We’ll be bringing you live updates from Loftus Road all evening, so all you need to do is keep your browser open and we’ll do the rest.

Don’t forget to get involved with your thoughts on Twitter using @QPR_GetWest of @PhilSpenc23.

That's it!

QPR 1 Northampton 0

The Hoops progress after securing the victory against the Cobblers.

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Six minutes added time

You what!

QPR will have to work through six minutes of added time here at Loftus Road.

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Squeaky bum time

Around 10 minutes left including injury time. Can QPR hold on?

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Crossbar

Ryan Manning nearly caps off the night in style as an effort from all of 35 yards is tipped onto the crossbar.

That was a real thunderbolt!

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Off the line!

A great chance for Northampton who have a header cleared off the line by Ryan Manning.

A little too close for comfort...

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CHANCE

Conor Washington saw the headlines. A bit of intelligent running saw him with the ball 20 yards out on the right and he went to strike first time but hit it way wide.

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Ilias Chair

Chair looks like a right handful. His low centre of gravity makes him so difficult to play against as his quick feet guide him past the defenders.

He looks a real prospect.

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Final change

Idrissa Sylla, who just got a blow to the head is replaced by Michael Petrasso.

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Chance

Some excellent play from Ilias Chair and Darnell Furlong forces a corner.

Ngbakoto swings it in and finds Ryan Manning on the other side. He crosses it in and Idrissa Sylla goes down in the area. No penalty.

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A change of system

QPR have moved into a 4-2-3-1 as they try to dictate play.

The movement of Conor Washington and Ilias Chair seems to be causing issues for 10-man Northampton.

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Substitution

Luke Freeman replaced by Ilias Chair.

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SO CLOSE

Nearly an absolute worldie of a goal.

A flick from Yeni Ngbakoto finds Luke Freeman who hits a sweet volley from 25 yards which goes just over the bar.

Nearly a real moment of quality on an otherwise mediocre night!

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Injury

Matt Smith looks like he’s going to be heading off after receiving a nasty blow to the face.

He’ll be replaced by Conor Washington.

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SENT OFF

Leon Barnett has been sent off for Northampton Town.

He went in late on Idrissa Sylla and picked up a second yellow.

QPR need to make the extra man count now.

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Attendance

Attendance: 4317 (735 Northampton)

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Early pressure

Northampton putting QPR under pressure in this half as they look to dominate possession.

Nedum Onuoha nearly gifted the Cobblers with a chance but he recovered well to block the shot.

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We're back underway!

Second half is underway with QPR leading 1-0 courtesy of Yeni Ngbakoto.

Fingers crossed for a better second half!

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Steven Caulker assessment

Caulker has had a decent enough first half.

He’s clearly out of match practice, playing it safe and doing the basics well which is probably wise.

He seemed to grow in confidence with a crunching tackle midway through the first half, but then got booked for a late foul meaning he’ll have to watch himself for the rest of the game.

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Half time overview

It’s been far from a classic, but that goal from Yeni Nbakoto is bound to open it up.

The Cobblers arguably had the better of the first half, but will now have no choice but to chase the game.

QPR look particularly lethargic in their approach, with Luke Freeman and Darnell Furlong looking the most likely to make something happen.

Here’s hoping for better in the second half!

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Half time

QPR 1 Northampton 0

Not a classic, but QPR go in at the break with the lead.

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GOAL!

QPR 1 Northampton 0

Thank the lord.

It wasn’t a classic as Yeni Ngbakoto was on hand to prod home in the box after a save for David Cornell.

I’d say the Cobblers have had the better of the game but the Hoops will be relieved to take the lead.

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Booking

Steven Caulker booked for a yellow card.

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Heating up

A clear foul on Yeni Ngbakoto is denied getting the crowd on their feet, followed by an excellent Jack Robinson challenge to the Northampton counter attack.

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Idrissa Sylla

Not a flawless performance, but is looking lively and wants to get on the ball.

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Luke Freeman

Freeman looks like the only man who can make something happen so far. Som neat touches and bursts of pace are causing the Cobblers some problems.

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Playing their way into the game.

QPR are starting to find their feet, utilising the pace of Darnell Furlong on the right hand side. They’re certainly missing the high energy they had in abundance on Saturday.

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Analysis

With Borysiuk and Freeman in midfield it appears that QPR are being overrun. I feel it would be more beneficial to switch to four at the back with three midfielders.

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Opening 10 minutes

I have to say, Northampton have been the better team in the opening stages; passing the ball well and using their set pieces well.

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First effort

Jack Robinson has QPR’s first effort of the game as he surges forward and hits an effort from 35 yards. Easy for the keeper to handle.

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