QPR v Preston: five key battles

QPR hope to return to winning ways on Saturday when they host pointless Preston at Loftus Road. Here’s the five match-ups we believe might be crucial in determining the outcome.

Jake Bidwell v Ben Pringle
Bidwell was not at his best in the defeat at Barnsley in midweek, struggling up against Ryan Kent. However, he will hope to fare better in his battle with former Fulham man Pringle, who has started all three of Preston’s Championship matches.

Yeni N’Gbakoto v Liam Grimshaw
The recent signing from Metz is still adapting to English football but is likely to start on Rangers’ left-hand side again. He will be up against Liam Grimshaw, who has come in for some flak for his displays at right-back in the early games, deputising for the long-term absentee Calum Woods.

James Perch v Callum Robinson
With Grant Hall serving a ban, Nedum Onuoha is required to shift across to centre-half, meaning a recall for Perch. He will need to be on his toes against the speedy Robinson, whose goal as a substitute in last weekend’s game against Fulham earned him a recall on Tuesday.

Steven Caulker v Jermaine Beckford
Born just eight miles apart, in Feltham and Ealing respectively, these two West Londoners will relish an aerial tussle. Caulker was disappointing in the loss at Oakwell, while former Wealdstone marksman Beckford will hope to improve on his three previous appearances against Rangers, when he has failed to find the net.

Sebastian Polter v Tom Clarke and Bailey Wright
At the other end of the pitch, Polter – with two goals in his first three league games – will have a significant height advantage over both Preston centre-backs. His link up play with Tjaronn Chery will again be important.