QPR face a difficult trip to Deepdale this weekend to face a Preston side who are looking to make it four games without defeat in the Championship.
The Hoops will be keen to end their 16-match losing run on the road; but what can they expect from the Lilywhites?
We caught up with Dave Seddon of the Lancashire Evening Post for a look at the opposition.
Preston results
1-1 (a) Norwich
2-1 (a) Bristol City
0-0 (h) Bolton
0-3 (a) Ipswich
0-2 (h) Aston Villa
2-3 (h) Brentford
2-3 (a) Wolves
2-2 (a) Fulham
From mid-October to the start of November, North End hit a bit of a slippery slope.
It started with them surrendering a 2-0 lead at Fulham to draw 2-2, conceding in the 96th minute. They put up a good fight at Wolves and could count themselves a touch unfortunate.
Injuries began to hit after that and at one stage they had eight defenders missing through injury and suspension. Slowly the injury count has reduced - although not cleared-up by a long stretch - and they are three unbeaten.
Strengths
They have plenty of pace and energy going forward and when fully-staffed at the back, seem quite organised. Their work ethic is excellent.
Weaknesses
At times they miss a bit of experience in certain areas, while not having a real ruthless edge going forward has led to them drawing some games which they should have won.
Key players
Ben Pearson returns from a one-game ban and is key to how Alex Neil likes to play out from the back and through midfield. Tom Barkhuizen's pace down the right-wing will be key, soo too Jordan Hugill's physical presence up front.
Formation/system?
Probably a 4-2-3-1, only occasionally has Alex Neil deviated away from that.
Team selection
Maxwell: Fisher, Huntington, Davies, Woods: Pearson, Gallagher: Barkhuizen, Browne, Robinson: Hugill.
Pearson returns from suspension but Daniel Johnson serves a one-match ban for five bookings. Sean Maguire is out long term after surgery to attach his hamstring muscle back to the tendon.
Score prediction
I'm going 2-1 to Preston. They are chasing their first home win since September and confidence will have been lifted by the last two results on the road.
