Queens Park Rangers will be aiming for another top six scalp on Saturday when they host Bournemouth.
Rangers beat West London rivals Brentford on Wednesday to climb to 16th in the Championship, meaning a trip to Loftus Road will be far from easy for the sixth place Cherries.
Match preview
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QPR trailed at half time against the promotion-pushing Bees, but two goals in the space of four second-half minutes from January loan signings Sam Field and Charlie Austin secured a 2-1 victory and the local bragging rights.
Mark Warburton's men are now eight points clear of the relegation zone following an impressive turnaround in form since the turn of the year – they have won five of their six league games so far in 2021 after winning none of their final nine of 2020.
The transformation has effectively saved Warburton's job, and he has a lot to thank 31-year-old Austin for, who has three goals in six games since returning to the club.
On the topic of talismanic strikers, Bournemouth may have one in their dugout at the weekend as they are reportedly keen on appointing Thierry Henry as their new manager.
Jonathan Woodgate has done well to steady the ship during his time in temporary charge, with a 1-0 win over Rotherham United on Wednesday being a third victory in four matches since Jason Tindall was sacked.
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Philip Billing scored the only goal of the game midway through the first half, and Bournemouth are now slightly more comfortable in the playoff places with a six point lead over Cardiff City in seventh.
They have a crucial meeting with the Bluebirds on Tuesday and then play fourth place Watford four days later, so the trip to QPR will be vital for building momentum.
Only Brentford have scored more goals in the Championship than Bournemouth this season, however the Cherries have won just one of their last seven league away games.
Saturday's clash will therefore make for an intriguing battle as QPR's victory over Brentford was only their second victory in their last eight matches at Loftus Road and only five Championship sides have scored fewer goals at home this season.
Bournemouth have won just two of their last 13 meetings with QPR, and last claimed victory in West London in 1959. This season's reverse fixture finished 0-0 in October.
Queens Park Rangers Championship form: WWLWWW
Bournemouth Championship form: LLLWDW
Bournemouth form (all competitions): LLWWDW
Team News
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Mark Warburton has named the same team for QPR's last two games and got wins in both, so may be tempted to remain unchanged again.
However Sam Field will be keen to start after coming off the bench to score against Brentford, and could replace Dominic Ball in midfield.
Fellow January signing Jordy de Wijs is still not fit enough to feature, while Luke Amos and Charlie Owens are long-term absentees.
Jack Wilshere is in contention to return to the Bournemouth lineup after being rested against Rotherham, while David Brooks could also start after appearing as a substitute on Wednesday.
Chris Mepham is fit again, but it could be tricky for him to dislodge Cameron Carter-Vickers in the centre of defence as the American has helped keep three clean sheets in his last three games.
Queens Park Rangers possible starting lineup:
Dieng; Cameron, Dickie, Barbet; Kane, Field, Johansen, Wallace; Chair; Austin, Dykes
Bournemouth possible starting lineup:
Begovic; Smith, Carter-Vickers, Kelly, Rico; Wilshere, Billing, L. Cook; Stanislas, Sturridge, Brooks
We say: Queens Park Rangers 1-1 Bournemouth
Both teams are on strong runs of form so this is a tight one to call. A couple of months ago, Bournemouth would have been heavy favourites, but they should not underestimate QPR, particularly after the Hoops' win over Brentford. We think this fixture will end level.
