Charlie Austin makes bold QPR prediction ahead of Middlesbrough meeting | OneFootball

The former QPR frontman is backing the R’s to strike an upset against Boro this weekend.

Queens Park Rangers have made an excellent start to the 2026-27 Championship campaign.

The R’s are currently unbeaten from their opening four league games, with three wins and a draw in the process.

The West London outfit secured a 2-1 victory over Cardiff City in midweek, lifting them to second in the table and only shy of the summit on goal difference to Swansea City.

It’s an encouraging first few games under Julien Stephan, with all connected with QPR hoping this is the season where they can challenge for a place back in the Premier League.

But the R’s face their biggest test of the season so far as they host fellow promotion candidates Middlesbrough, who have also made an impressive opening to the new term.

Boro sit three points behind QPR in the table after collecting seven points themselves, so it’s a clash that could prove to be one of the most entertaining of the season in the very early stages.

And previewing the game, former QPR striker Charlie Austin has offered his prediction on how the game at Loftus Road will unfold.

QPR’s impressive start to the 2026-27 campaign

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In typical QPR fashion, the R’s have made a superb start to the season, with that 2-1 victory over Cardiff City in midweek putting them on the periphery of top spot in the division.

Romaine Burrell was the hero against the Bluebirds on Wednesday evening, with his brace ensuring QPR got over the line to secure another precious three points, giving the forward and rest of the playing squad full of confidence as Middlesbrough come to town.

Expected to be an exciting contest with two sides on a high, QPR supporters will be backing their side to come out on top, with a victory an early statement of intent that they can end their 12-year exodus from the big time.

Charlie Austin backs QPR to upset Middlesbrough

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Speaking on his own podcast ‘Chaz Kicks Off’ (from 16:54), with host Peter Redding, former QPR frontman Charlie Austin has backed the R’s to cause an upset against Middlesbrough this weekend and continue their excellent start to the new season.

Labelling it as the ‘game of the weekend’, Austin says that if the R’s can keep Will Lankshear quiet, they have every chance of getting a result.

Austin said: “Listen, the R’s always have a good start, it’s just what happens after they get to them double-figure games, that’s what it is.

“But listen, it’ll be an exciting one. QPR got a great result the other night, 2-1 at home, Romaine (Burrell) scoring a brace which is good for the R’s, under the lights at Loftus Road, it’s special.

“But you know what is nice? Every football fan and player loves under the lights at their home stadium, everyone says it’s a special place for it.

“But yeah, QPR have got to get on a run and back that up, and ultimately, just got to keep this Will Lankshear quiet.

"I think they’ve scored 10 goals this season, Middlesbrough, he’s got six of them, so if they can keep him quiet, they’re on the right path.

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“I like Middlesbrough. I like Hellberg the manager. He spoke really well at the back end of last season when the spotlight was on them throughout the summer and at the start of the season.

“It’s going to be a good game, and you’re right, you know why it’s going to be the game of the weekend? Because the R’s are going to cause an upset, and we’re going to nick it 2-1, once again.

Host of the podcast Peter Redding also agreed that QPR will take all three points against Middlesbrough and can ‘kick on’ following their impressive opening few games.

QPR can provide Middlesbrough a stern test

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It’s all set up to be an enthralling clash at Loftus Road this weekend, with two sides full of confidence battling it out as they look to get to the top of the table after their first five games.

With the R’s in a rich vein of early form, it will be a daunting task for Middlesbrough to go there and get a positive result, particularly when Boro showed their frailties on the road by losing at Blackburn Rovers a couple of weeks ago.

Therefore, there’s every chance for QPR to stamp their authority down and claim all three points, with the home crowd needing to be rocking and hostile so that the visitors struggle to settle.

Of course, as mentioned, the main thing will be keeping Will Lankshear quiet, who is on course for a sensational season and well in contention to claim the Championship golden boot award.

While he never looks quite in the game, his ruthlessness when given opportunities is what sets him apart from a lot of strikers in this division, so the defence must be on their game and ensure chances are at a premium for the striker.

It’s a game that could go either way, and it’ll be an early indication of both sides' promotion credentials.