The Football Association decided during the international break that Fulham’s 4-1 defeat at Coventry City was partly a consequence of Sky Blues forward Matt Godden cheating to earn a penalty.
However, despite that goal giving Coventry a 2-1 lead and plenty of momentum, Fulham head coach Marco Silva will still be concerned by how his team continued to capitulate after previously holding a half-time advantage.
The Portuguese will feel somewhat relieved that the Cottagers still sit in fifth position after three defeats in six matches, but he will recognise that they need to improve and fast.
Goals are not a problem for this team, the likes of Aleksandar Mitrovic and Harry Wilson having 13 strikes and six assists between them since the start of August.
Nevertheless, Fulham’s last league clean sheet came at the end of August, and Silva knows that the wait for another shutout cannot be prolonged if they want to remain in touch with the top two.
That especially rings true ahead of a game against a fellow promotion rival with QPR having overturned their poor run of form with back-to-back victories.
After blowing a lead at West Bromwich Albion, QPR have responded with success against Birmingham City and Preston North End at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium.
Video Links Stream 1 Stream 2 DeutschHDStream 3 DeutschStream 4
While things have not always gone swimmingly for his side this season, Mark Warburton will be satisfied that QPR are back in the playoff places at this stage of the season.
There will be a call to approach this game in isolation, but this rejuvenated squad will recognise the significance of landing another blow on their neighbours on away territory.
On the back of two crucial strikes for his country, Scotland international Lyndon Dykes has now contributed a goal or assist on his last four outings
