Birmingham vs QPR predictions: Blues to get back on track
- Birmingham won both meetings in 2022-23
- QPR have failed to win four of their last five
- Recommended bet: Birmingham to win and both teams to score
Birmingham's fast start to the season has stalled somewhat but they will be confident of getting back on track against QPR on Friday.
John Eustace's side were unbeaten after five matches, but have lost their last two outings, going down 2-0 to Watford and 2-1 to Preston.
However, both of those were away from St Andrew's and the Blues will be looking to get back on track against a QPR side who, after a glance at the Championship table, look destined for a long campaign.
Both of their wins this season have come away from home, but they have won just one of their last five following their 1-1 draw against Swansea City on Tuesday.
Team news
Eustace confirmed after the defeat to Preston that Ethan Laird is unlikely to be fit until next month after suffering a setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury.
The boss is also keen not to rush Tyler Roberts back as he recovers from a calf problem, but the Blues could be boosted by the return of Siriki Dembele, who has been absent since being withdrawn at half-time during August's 2-0 win at Bristol City.
Meanwhile, QPR will again be without defender Jimmy Dunne, but Gareth Ainsworth says he should be fit to face Coventry City at the end of the month after recovering from a dislocated shoulder.
The stats
Birmingham are unbeaten at home this season in the Championship, beating Leeds 1-0, Plymouth 2-1 and drawing 1-1 against Millwall.
They also won both home and away against QPR last season, triumphing 2-0 at home in October 2022 and backed it up with a 1-0 win at Loftus Road in March.
The R's have lost on two of their last three visits to St Andrew's but have won two of their four away games this season in the Championship.
Of both Birmingham and QPR's last four championship games, three have featured both teams scoring.
Prediction
After moving from Wycombe in February, QPR boss Ainsworth has taken time to stamp his mark on the club, but there are signs that they are starting to show the determination and energy associated with his teams.
Those qualities have been particularly prevalent in away wins at Cardiff and Middlesbrough, but Tuesday's 1-1 against Swansea means they have now won just one of their last five.
Birmingham has also hit a blip, losing their last two. However, both defeats were away from home and they were unbeaten before that.
Eustace was part of the QPR coaching staff until the summer of 2022 and as last season's meetings suggested, may have some inside knowledge of Friday's opponents.
With neither side particularly watertight at the back, there could be goals in this game, but the Blues' home record hints that they could edge an entertaining match.
Win up to £250,000 with LiveScore 6!
Win up to £250,000 with our free-to-play game, LiveScore 6!
