QPR came out on top of a five-goal thriller on Wednesday night as they defeated Middlesbrough 3-2 despite having Moses Odubajo sent off early in the first half.
It took Mark Warburton’s side onto seven points from three games, following their opening day draw against Millwall and 3-0 victory over Hull City.
Only promoted pair Watford and Norwich City picked up more points in the second half of last season than QPR, and they have carried that form into the new campaign.
Propelled by goal-scoring centre-back Rob Dickie and former Arsenal academy star Chris Willock, the Hoops were tipped to be potential dark horses in the second tier this season, and they are certainly living up to that tag so far.
Saturday is the first of three successive home games for the West London outfit, as they face Oxford United in the EFL Cup on Tuesday before welcoming Coventry City next weekend.
Barnsley were last season’s Championship dark horses, but following the departures of Alex Mowatt, Daryl Dike and manager Valerien Ismael in the summer, new boss Schopp has a rebuilding job on his hands.
It has been a steady start for the Austrian, with one win, one draw and one loss from the opening three league matches, as well as a penalty shoot-out defeat to Bolton Wanderers in the League Cup.
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The Tykes had 70% of possession against Luton Town on Tuesday night, but were ultimately beaten by Amari’i Bell’s fourth-minute goal.
Schopp stated that his side must become more clinical in the final third after failing to score from 10 shots throughout the game, and it is hoped that summer signing Devante Cole, who made his debut off the bench on Tuesday, will help in that department.
Barnsley have won the last four meetings between the two sides, achieving a 6-1 aggregate victory over the two fixtures last season.
