QPR vs Blackburn Rovers - Championship Preview and Prediction

Gareth Ainsworth will be eager to make an instant impact as Queens Park Rangers host Blackburn Rovers in his first game in charge. QPR are currently languishing in 18th place in the Championship table, with just one win in their last 12 matches, and Ainsworth will be hoping to steer them away from any potential relegation battle.

Blackburn, on the other hand, have been in good form recently, winning their last two matches and moving up to fourth in the table. With just five points separating them from the top three, Rovers will be looking to keep the pressure on their promotion rivals.

Queens Park Rangers

QPR's form has been poor of late, with just one win in their last 12 matches. Ainsworth's first task will be to stop the rot and get his new team playing with confidence again. QPR are currently eight points clear of the relegation zone, but the teams below them are improving, so Ainsworth will need to hit the ground running.

The new QPR boss is likely to stick with the players who pushed Middlesbrough close last weekend, although he may look to add some experience to the midfield with the inclusion of Stefan Johansen. Albert Adomah could also come in to bolster the midfield if Ainsworth opts for a central trio.

Possible QPR starting lineup: Dieng; Kakay, Dunne, Dickie, Paal; Field, Dozzell, Iroegbunam, Chair; Lowe, Martin

Blackburn Rovers

Blackburn have been in good form recently, winning their last two matches and moving up to fourth in the table. However, they have only won two away games since November, and they will be keen to improve on that record. Jon Dahl Tomasson will be focusing on the teams below them in the table, as Blackburn are only three points clear of ninth place.

Daniel Ayala is expected to miss out with a hamstring injury, which could give Hayden Carter a chance to feature in the center of defense. Harry Pickering is also a doubt, but if he is declared fit, he could feature at left-back.

Possible Blackburn Rovers starting lineup: Pears; Rankin-Costello, Carter, Hyam, Brittain; Travis, Buckley; Thomas, Szmodics, Dolan; Gallagher

Betting Trends and Public Betting Data

According to betting trends and public betting data, Blackburn Rovers are the favorites to win this match, with odds of around 2.10. QPR can be backed at odds of around 3.50, while the draw is available at odds of around 3.20. However, with Ainsworth taking charge of his first game, there could be some value in backing QPR to get a positive result.

Prediction and Pick

Although QPR have struggled for form recently, the arrival of Gareth Ainsworth could provide a boost to the team. Blackburn have been in good form, but their away record is a concern, and they may struggle to get a win at Loftus Road. We are predicting a competitive draw, with a final score of 1-1.

Pick: Queens Park Rangers +1.5