QPR home form will be imperative for Steve McClaren this season

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QPR recorded 12 wins at Loftus Road last season and that included 2-1 victories over Wolves and Cardiff; Steve McClaren will want to try and replicate similar form in the new season

The Championship is undoubtedly one of the most unpredictable leagues across Europe and Queens Park Rangers will want to demonstrate they can mix it with the ‘big boys’ again at Loftus Road this season.

Steve McClaren’s side recorded a large chunk of their points on home turf last campaign which included a number of memorable victories over the divisions stronger sides. Cardiff, Wolves and Sheffield United all left west London empty-handed last year with two of those sides enjoying the fruits of the Premier League next season.

Nonetheless, McClaren will know how important it is to maintain that trend and ensure that the Hoops record as many home wins as possible. On the flip side, Rangers’ away form over the past few seasons has been woeful to say the least so unless McClaren can achieve points on the road, building solid foundations at home is a must.

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QPR have three of their first five league games in W12 this season and if McClaren and the west Londoners are to have a successful campaign, a minimum of six or seven points will need to be recorded from those games. The Blades are the first team to visit Loftus Road next season and McClaren’s men will need to be at their best to achieve a positive result.

With hardly any new additions expected at QPR, the general feeling around the club will likely be another bottom-half finish in 2019 but McClaren can go a long way about changing the expectations.

Although he has struggled in various spells at English clubs, McClaren does have a strong nucleus of players to work with. The 57-year-old is a renowned coach and tactician so if he can get it right at QPR, the west Londoners should have an enjoyable campaign.

With McClaren’s recent record in mind, it’s a rather precarious position that QPR find themselves in and if the former England head coach doesn’t get the fans onside or the points necessary, it’ll likely be a long season for Rangers and a short stay for McClaren.