There was a time earlier in 2022 when Blackburn looked to be the most likely challengers to Fulham and Bournemouth, but a five-match winless streak has changed that perception.
Tony Mowbray’s side have collected two points during that period, but Wednesday’s 1-0 defeat at Sheffield United was their fifth game in a row without troubling the scoresheet.
Rovers forward Reda Khadra missed a penalty before Ben Davies’ last-gasp winner for the Blades, a result which leaves Blackburn holding just a one-point lead over their most recent opponents.
There is an argument that facing another fellow promotion contender is exactly what Rovers need to get back on track, but Tony Mowbray knows that his team could quickly find themselves outside of the top six with a fourth defeat in six games.
Although a trip to Fulham is awaiting them next weekend, that is the only away fixture in five games, giving Blackburn a chance to add to their 10 home wins from 16 fixtures.
QPR have also been far from perfect of late, winning just one of their six Championship contests before Wednesday’s home clash with Blackpool.
Mark Warburton’s team looked up against it when Dion Sanderson was sent off late in the first half, but the Hoops still managed to secure a much-needed 2-1 success.
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That result has moved QPR into third spot having played a game fewer than fourth-placed Huddersfield Town, and Warburton is aware that Saturday’s fixture at Ewood Park could prove to be pivotal come the end of the season.
Goals from the QPR frontline have dried up of late, but Jimmy Dunne and Luke Amos both contributed their third strikes of the season against the Tangerines.
Despite possessing the sixth-best away record in the division, the London outfit travel to Blackburn having lost their last two fixtures on their travels
