QPR v Middlesbrough: Opportunity knocks for Boro to lay down a marker

The Teesside club get the Championship back under way tonight after the recent international break when they travel to Queens Park Rangers.

A draw will be enough to send Boro back into the top two at the expense of Brighton & Hove Albion, who host leaders Burnley tomorrow in the clear highlight of the Football League programme.

Hull City, beaten by Karanka’s men in their last outing, are also in action tomorrow so tonight offers a big opportunity for Boro to set down a marker ahead of the final run-in.

“After our win against Hull, we are in a really good position again,” said Karanka. “The lads are really excited for the future so I am looking forward to the game.

“QPR is an important game because we have eight games in April and every one of them is going to be massive.

“You know that most of the teams we play are playing for something. So are we.”

Karanka followed the dramatic late win over Hull by arranging a friendly with Sunderland behind closed doors.

A 2-1 win was the result, thanks to goals from Jordan Rhodes and Kike Sola, and then the players were given time off ahead of the gruelling run-in.

Karanka added: “The break was good.”

QPR have endured a disappointing season following relegation last May but boss Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, who had to wait nine games for his first win in charge after replacing Chris Ramsey in December, has steadied the ship.

Hasselbaink’s side have won four of their last five home games, conceding one goal, and Italian defender Gabriele Angella insists the mid-table Londoners still have plenty to play for.

“This will be a very good test for us against a big team that is fighting for promotion,” said Angella. “We will go into this game with a lot of motivation and I believe that we have the quality in the group to do well.”

Last six games: QPR DWLWWD, Middlesbrough WLWLLW.

Referee: S Hooper (Wiltshire).

Last time: QPR 2 Middlesbrough 0; September 28, 2013; Championship.