QPR v Preston: team news, key stats and match odds

QPR will again be without Joel Lynch and Nedum Onuoha for Saturday’s match against Preston but Massimo Luongo is expected to return to the squad.

Lynch has a hamstring injury and fellow defender Onuoha is suspended after being sent off during the recent defeat at Hull.

Luongo missed the midweek win over Sheffield Wednesday because of illness but has since returned to training.

Meanwhile, Ian Holloway has told QPR’s website he is keen for youngsters such as Osman Kakay and Chay Tilt to play for the first team before the end of the season.

West London Sport revealed this week that Rangers boss Holloway also plans to select Jamie Mackie and James Perch before the end of the season to give them a send-off ahead of them being released by the club when their contracts expire.

Preston midfielder Daniel Johnson missed the midweek win over Leeds with an illness, while right-back Darnell Fisher has been carrying a hamstring injury.

Striker Sean Maguire is nursing a hamstring problem and will be assessed.

Last season: Preston 2 QPR 1, QPR 0 Preston 2

Last five league matches: QPR D L W L W; Preston W L L L W

Top scorers (all competitions): Matt Smith (QPR) 9; Sean Maguire (Preston) 15

Match odds: QPR 9-5, Draw 23-10, Preston 6-4

Referee: Robert Jones (Merseyside)