QPR v Blackburn: five key battles

QPR will climb back into the top six if they beat Blackburn. Here are five potential battles we think could be crucial to their chances of winning tonight’s game at Loftus Road.

Nedum Onuoha v Jordan Rhodes
Rhodes had to wait until Sunday’s defeat at Fulham to score his first goal of the season, but he was a constant threat to the home defence and remains one of the Championship’s best strikers. Onuoha will certainly have a key role for Rangers.

Matt Phillips v Tommy Spurr
Phillips was below his best against Nottingham Forest on Saturday and will need to do better if he is to trouble Spurr, who was wanted by QPR before they eventually signed Damien Delaney in 2008.

Charlie Austin v Grant Hanley
Hanley was given all sorts of problems as Rovers’ defence was torn apart by Fulham’s pace and movement up front in the first half. Austin provides an obvious goal threat, although he isn’t in the mould of Fulham’s forwards. Will Hanley find him any easier to handle?

James Perch v Craig Conway
Summer signing Perch will need to improve on some of his performances so far this season and be better than Fulham’s Jazz Richards, who struggled defensively at times on Sunday. Conway’s deliveries from the left flank are important for Blackburn and will cause Rangers problems if Perch doesn’t up his game.

Massimo Luongo v Danny Guthrie
Luongo has impressed in the central role originally earmarked for Tjaronn Chery, who has instead been deployed on the left. Rovers will want Guthrie to provide solid protection in front of their back four.