Why QPR v Middlesbrough is kicking off at 4:30pm this Sunday | OneFootball

QPR vs Middlesbrough has an unusual kick-off time of 4:30pm this Sunday, which is primarily down to the fact there are no Premier League fixtures.

Middlesbrough got their automatic promotion push back on track with an impressive 3-1 win at Birmingham City on Monday night.

After three games without a victory, it felt like a statement performance and result for Boro, who have been excellent since Kim Hellberg was named as Rob Edwards’ successor following his controversial decision to depart for Wolves.

That will have given fans a belief that they can finish the job, but there is still a long way to go in the promotion battle, and there’s a high probability that the gap to third-place will be cut by the time Boro kick-off next.

QPR vs Middlesbrough has been picked for Sky TV coverage on Sunday

That’s because Boro’s trip to QPR at 4:30pm on Sunday is the final game of the next round of fixtures, so the Teesside outfit will know exactly where they stand by the time the first whistle is blown at Loftus Road.

Some will debate whether that’s a good or bad thing, but it will certainly increase the pressure on Boro if all their rivals have picked up wins.

Of course, this isn’t a normal kick-off time for a Championship game, and it’s not one that will be used regularly moving forward.

However, this weekend is different for broadcasters as it’s the FA Cup fifth round, which means there are no Premier League fixtures taking place.

The cup competition is shown on TNT Sports and BBC, and as Sky have no top flight games to choose from, it opens up the schedule for the EFL.

So, as well as Friday night football, the 12:30 slot on a Saturday and 12:00 on a Sunday, they are in a position to show another game from the EFL, which is why QPR vs Boro will be televised at 4:30pm.

QPR vs Middlesbrough promises to be a good watch for the neutral

Middlesbrough have been an attractive option for broadcasters this season, and it’s easy to see why.

Obviously, the fact that they’re in a position to finish in the top two is a massive factor in any decision, as those teams chasing the top two places will be shown most weeks as the battle to go up intensifies.

Furthermore, Boro are a good watch under Hellberg, with the Swedish boss encouraging fast, attacking football.

But, it’s not all about Boro this weekend, and QPR will fancy their chances of causing what many would see as an upset.

Julien Stephan’s side are locked in mid-table at the moment, but they have caused plenty of problems to top teams over the years, especially at Loftus Road, with the stadium creating a good atmosphere as the fans are very close to the pitch.

Overall, Loftus Road has seen 55 goals from 17 games so far this season, with Hull and Wrexham the only two stadiums that can beat that total.

With Coventry the only team to outscore Boro on the road, it promises to be an entertaining clash, which was no doubt a key reason as to why it has been given what is considered a prime TV slot this weekend.