Gardner-Hickman starts: Blackburn Rovers team news and predicted XI versus QPR News: The72 – Football League News

Blackburn Rovers face QPR on Wednesday evening as they look to maintain their impressive form of late.

Blackburn Rovers come into this midweek clash with QPR looking to make it five wins in their last six games. This improved form has eased the pressure on Valerien Ismael’s shoulders as they recover from a poor start.

They are still in 18th place in the championship table after 16 games. However, six points now separate them and the bottom three, and they are also a further six points behind the top six.

Last time out, Rovers defeated Lancashire rivals Preston North End in Deepdale. The in-form Andri Gudjohnsen scored both goals on a night to remember for the traveling fans.

As for QPR, they come into the Blackburn Rovers match on the back of a 3-2 win over Hull City. The Hoops twice fought from behind to end a four-match winless streak.

Blackburn Rovers team news

Ismael gave a mixed update on his Blackburn Rovers side heading into the QPR clash.

It was confirmed with a blow that key midfielder Sondre Tronstad has been ruled out for two to three weeks. It means he will miss the next four Championship games after suffering an ankle injury against Preston.

In better news, Ismael said Todd Cantwell has taken positive steps forward in his comeback bid. He won’t be fit here, but it is hoped that the skipper can get back into contention sooner or later.

There are more long-term issues facing Rovers. The shortage of centre-backs continues, with Scott Wharton and Hayden Carter both sidelined, while goalkeeper Balazs Toth and Augustus Kargbo are also still on the road to recovery.

Predicted XI

(3-4-1-2)

Pears; Miller, Pratt, McLoughlin; Alebiosu, Montgomery, Gardner-Hickman, Hedges; Morishita; Gudjohnsen, Ohashi

Ismael seems unlikely to make any major changes to his Blackburn Rovers team.

The back three will almost certainly remain unchanged given the lack of centre-back depth. This sees youngster George Pratt retain his place in the back three alongside Lewis Miller and Sean McLoughlin.

The statistics of George Pratt vs Preston North End

Ryan Alebiosu retains his place on the right after a fine season so far, and the same goes for Ryan Hedges at left-back. Together, Taylor Gardner-Hickman could be reinstated as Tronstad’s replacement following his suspension.

Kristi Montgomery may keep his place in midfield, but Moussa Baradji, Sidnei Tavares and Adam Forshaw are all options.

Ryoya Morishita plays the most advanced role in midfield, providing support for top scorers Yuki Ohashi and Gudjohnsen up top.