Match Pack: Queens Park Rangers vs. Millwall

Queens Park Rangers host Millwall at Loftus Road in a Matchweek clash that promises a gritty, competitive battle in the 2025-26 EFL Championship season. Martí Cifuentes’ Queens Park Rangers, aiming to build on a mid-table 2024-25 campaign, started with a 2-0 win over Bristol City, driven by Ilias Chair’s creativity and Michael Frey’s finishing. Neil Harris’ Millwall, known for their physical style, secured a 1-1 draw against Hull City, with Tom Bradshaw’s goal-scoring instinct shining through despite defensive concerns. This matchup pits Queens Park Rangers’ fluid, attacking approach against Millwall’s robust, direct style, with key battles in midfield and the penalty areas set to shape the outcome. Loftus Road’s intimate atmosphere will urge Queens Park Rangers to maintain their early momentum, while Millwall aim to solidify their play-off push. Expect a hard-fought, high-intensity game with both sides scrapping for crucial points in their respective ambitions.

Insights

• Queens Park Rangers’ 2-0 win over Bristol City showcased Chair’s flair, but they struggled to create chances late. They won 10 of 23 home games in the 2024-25 Championship.
• Millwall’s 1-1 draw with Hull City highlighted Bradshaw’s clinical edge, but they conceded from a set piece. They won three of their last eight away games last season.
• Queens Park Rangers’ 4-2-3-1 setup emphasizes quick transitions, with Chair creating and Frey leading the line. Millwall’s 4-4-2 focuses on physicality, with Jake Cooper anchoring defense.
• Chair vs. Millwall’s George Saville will be key, as Chair’s dribbling faces Saville’s tenacity in midfield.
• Queens Park Rangers won their last home game against Millwall 2-1 in the 2024-25 Championship, but Millwall have won three of the last six meetings.
• A win could push Queens Park Rangers into the play-off conversation, while Millwall aim to stay in the top six.
• Queens Park Rangers’ Lyndon Dykes is doubtful with a minor knock, while Millwall’s Shaun Hutchinson is pushing for a start.
• Loftus Road’s vocal fans will create a hostile environment, with Millwall’s supporters aiming to match their energy.

Match Forecasts

• Michael Frey could exploit Millwall’s high line with his physicality, potentially scoring from crosses or loose balls.
• Tom Bradshaw’s aerial threat may test Queens Park Rangers’ center-backs, especially from set pieces.
• Queens Park Rangers’ set-piece strength, with five goals from corners in 2024-25, could target Millwall’s vulnerability in defending dead balls.
• Substitutes like Queens Park Rangers’ Paul Smyth or Millwall’s Duncan Watmore could shift momentum late with their pace.
• Millwall’s physical midfield may disrupt Queens Park Rangers’ flow, but their full-backs could be exposed by Queens Park Rangers’ wingers.
• Expect a physical first half with both teams battling for control, followed by an open second half as they chase a result.
• If level late, Queens Park Rangers’ home crowd could inspire a winner, but Millwall’s resilience makes them dangerous on the counter.

Match Facts

• Queens Park Rangers have won three of nine matches against Millwall in the Championship since 2018, with three draws and three losses. Their last meeting at Loftus Road ended 2-1 to Queens Park Rangers.
• Loftus Road, capacity 18,439, saw Queens Park Rangers lose only six home games in 2024-25, making it a tough venue.
• Referee James Linington, officiating this match, averaged 3.9 yellow cards per game in 2024-25 and officiated Queens Park Rangers’ 1-0 win over Coventry last season.
• Sky Sports+ will broadcast live in the UK, with coverage starting at 14:30 BST. ESPN+ streams the match in the US at 10:00 AM ET.
• London’s weather forecast predicts partly cloudy skies, 16°C (61°F), with a 15% chance of light rain, unlikely to affect play.
• A win would mark Queens Park Rangers’ 100th Championship home victory since 2015. Millwall are chasing their 75th second-tier win since 2017.
• Ilias Chair is one assist shy of 30 in the Championship for Queens Park Rangers, a milestone he could reach in this match.