QPR vs Preston North End Prediction: QPR will be hoping to move clear of the relegation zone in the Championship.

On Friday afternoon, Queens Park Rangers will face off against Preston North End at home, with a pressing need to halt their current string of defeats to move clear of the relegation zone in the Championship.

Upon Gareth Ainsworth's departure from his longstanding post at Wycombe Wanderers to join Queens Park Rangers, there was a widely held expectation that his appointment would serve as a catalyst for better fortunes for the team in the near future.

Regrettably, Gareth Ainsworth's initial tenure as manager at Queens Park Rangers has not borne the expected fruits, as evidenced by the team's poor run of form under his leadership. In particular, the team has suffered five defeats in the six games played under his tutelage, with the latest losses coming against rivals Blackpool, Birmingham City, and Wigan Athletic.

Despite the boost provided by Reading's points deduction, it is imperative for QPR to regain their winning momentum if they are to stave off the looming threat of relegation to League One.

It is important to note that Queens Park Rangers have encountered a dip in their performance at their home ground, Loftus Road, losing four of their last five games played there. As such, they enter the upcoming match as clear underdogs to secure a victory on their home turf.

Dieng; Dickie, Balgoun, Dunne; Laird, Field, Johansen, Paal; Chair; Martin, Dykes.

In contrast to Queens Park Rangers' struggles, Preston North End's recent performances have generated an upswing in results and a sense of optimism under the stewardship of Ryan Lowe. With four wins and four draws over a nine-game period, the team has emerged as a viable contender for the playoffs, with their sole defeat during this stretch occurring against third-placed Middlesbrough on the road.

Despite an overabundance of stalemates, Lowe's men have secured three victories in their last four matches, including a convincing 3-1 triumph over local rivals Blackpool. While the team has won just once in their previous five away fixtures, they are currently riding a wave of momentum that places them in a favorable position to close the gap with some of their promotion-chasing rivals, many of whom are set to face each other on Friday.

Woodman; Storey, Lindsay, Hughes; Potts, Browne, Whiteman, Johnson, Fernandez; Parrott, Cannon.

Considering the current state of Queens Park Rangers' form, it is certainly not an ideal scenario for Ainsworth to encounter a formidable Preston side that has recently hit its stride. Nonetheless, we believe that the Hoops may have a chance to secure a win, particularly since Preston will be under significant pressure to deliver a maximum return. Expect less than 2.5 goals in the game.