QPR are mid-table but have been inconsistent in form. The London team alternates between spectacular wins and crushing defeats: a 5-0 defeat to Southampton was followed by a convincing 3-1 win over Hull, followed by a 2-0 defeat to Sheffield United. Meanwhile, the Hoops have consistently scored in four of their last five home matches, but they also concede regularly.
Middlesbrough are in second place and are in the direct race for promotion to the Premier League. Michael Carrick's side are in excellent form: they have won three of their last five matches and lost only one. Particularly noteworthy was their 3-1 rout of Birmingham and their comeback win over Sheffield United (2-1). The Rivermen score a lot, but they also consistently keep goals – they have only one clean sheet in their last five games.
The head-to-head record leaves no doubt about the high-scoring nature of this clash. Middlesbrough has won the last three head-to-head matches, each time exceeding the 2.5-goal mark (3-1, 2-1, 4-1). Given that the hosts need to atone for their defeat, and the visitors will continue their scoring frenzy in their fight for the Premier League title, a goal-scoring contest is inevitable.
