QPR v Reading predictions: Defences could dominate in west London

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Queens Park Rangers v Reading in the Championship on Friday.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Main Event & Football, 8pm Friday

Best bet

Under 2.5 goals
1pt 10-11 bet365

Team news

QPR
Chris Willock faces a spell on the sidelines. Taylor Richards and Nicholas Hamalainen remain out.

Reading
Andy Yiadom is nearing a return but Shane Long, Naby Sarr, Femi Azeez, Liam Moore and Scott Dann remain injured.

Match preview

QPR's surge up the Championship standings has been built on a solid defence and there could be a scarcity of chances and goals when the Londoners take on promotion rivals Reading in west London.

It was a good start to the week for both clubs, with QPR winning 1-0 at Sheffield United and Reading coming from behind to draw 1-1 at home to Norwich.

Each had to dig deep for their midweek results and there could be just as much effort shown in the capital as they battle to stay in the thick of the promotion race.

Classy attacker Chris Willock was QPR's match-winner at Bramall Lane, scoring his sixth goal of the season, but it was a bitter-sweet night for the 24-year-old, who had his evening cut short by a hamstring injury.

QPR coped without Willock for the final 40 minutes in Yorkshire but they will not want to be without the player for long.

Reading may sense an opportunity and are likely to recall star striker Lucas Joao who was among the substitutes against Norwich.

However, Royals manager Paul Ince may stick with the cautious three-man midfield which served his team well against Norwich and, by packing the centre-of-the park, he could set the scene for a dour affair.

A tightly contested game is on the cards and the best way to profit is to side with under 2.5 goals.

Key stat

Four of QPR's last five matches have featured no more than two goals.

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