Blackburn's early points have papered over concerning underlying numbers — they are averaging just 0.89 xG while conceding chances worth 1.7 xG per game. QPR arrive with more convincing performance data, having won away and posted a positive shot and xG differential. With both si…
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Sign inBlackburn Rovers host Queens Park Rangers in the Championship on August 29, 2026 as the regular season enters its third round. Tony Mowbray’s side are still chasing their first home win of the campaign, while QPR arrive as one of four unbeaten teams in the early table.
Blackburn manager Tony Mowbray confirmed that several players remain sidelined, limiting his options for rotation. The home side’s creative responsibilities are likely to fall heavily on Todd Cantwell, who operates in a floating midfield role and will need to combine with a forward line that has managed only one goal across its last two outings at Ewood Park.
QPR have an injury concern of their own at left-back, where Boy Kemper is ruled out. Manager Julien Stephan confirmed Kemper’s absence and indicated that summer signing Dennis Cirkin is not yet match fit after a disrupted pre-season. An Australian defender is expected to deputise again, a situation that could leave the Hoops short of natural width in that area.
Blackburn sit 10th after a pair of results that showcased their resilience but also underlined their struggles at home. A 2-2 draw with Wolves – in which Raul Jimenez’s injury-time penalty denied them victory – followed a home defeat and a goalless draw, leaving Mowbray’s men with just one win from their last five league games at Ewood Park.
QPR, in contrast, have collected four points from their opening two fixtures. A convincing win was backed up by a draw that leaves them fourth in the table, with only Millwall, Charlton and Middlesbrough ahead of them on goal difference. Their defensive record – just one goal conceded – has been the foundation of their bright start.
Cantwell’s ability to drift into pockets and thread passes between the lines will be essential for Blackburn. QPR have operated with a compact 4-2-3-1 shape that funnels play into a central double pivot, and Stephan will be eager for his midfielders to squeeze the space in which Cantwell thrives. If the former Norwich playmaker can find early touches, Rovers may finally break down a defence that has been breached just once this season.
The contest becomes even more intriguing down Blackburn’s right, where Kemper’s absence could open gaps for the hosts’ wide runners. Should QPR’s stand-in left-back be caught high up, Blackburn will have a clear route to goal.
A victory for QPR would keep them in the automatic promotion conversation ahead of September’s international break, while a first home win for Blackburn would catapult them back into the play-off mix.
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