Along with Reading, Bristol City have been one of the surprise packages of the season in the EFL after their largely disappointing showing during 2021-22.
Ninth position is the least that they deserve at this stage of the campaign, but successive defeats before the international break have undermined their previous good work.
Nevertheless, it should be noted that those setbacks came at Norwich City and Burnley respectively by one-goal margins, Nigel Pearson’s side continuing to impress in each fixture.
Pearson will feel that with those games out of the way, Bristol City can get back on track, but he will also have concerns over seven goals being conceded in their last 270 minutes of action.
The Robins now have the second-worst defensive record in the division, something which Pearson will be eager to rectify over the next batch of games.
As for QPR, Michael Beale’s side have gone somewhat under the radar to move their way into sixth position at the 10-game mark.
The London outfit have collected 10 points from their last five matches, a run which has included three wins over Watford, Hull City and Millwall.
Although a goalless draw with Stoke City was a drab way to head into the international break, Beale would have been delighted with a second clean sheet in succession after eight matches without one.
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A testing triple-header of Bristol City, Sheffield United and Reading is to come over the next week, but Beale may be content with having fixtures in front of his side which will refocus their attention after the enforced rest period.
Andreas Weimann will be assessed by the Bristol City medical staff after sustaining a minor leg injury against France during the international break.
Han-Noah Massengo or Joe Williamsare on standby to deputise for the Austria international, with Alex Scott potentially being required to move further forward.
Antoine Semenyo is pushing for an opportunity in the final third after his recovery from injury
