Shoots of a slight recovery for QPR but they face challenge of Championship leaders next

QPR have produced a slight upturn in fortunes but their confidence levels are set to be severely scrutinised by Championship table-topping Sunderland on Saturday.

The R’s picked up a positive result last weekend as they drew 0-0 at high-flying Burnley.

Marti Cifuentes’ side also shared the spoils against Coventry in the match before that, which ended 1-1, but they are bottom of the form table with two points from a possible 18.

Sunderland are the complete contrast as they have collected 13 points, the most in the division over the same period, and will be hunting a fourth successive league victory.

The Black Cats are five points clear at the summit with Jobe Bellingham, the younger brother of Real Madrid superstar Jude, and Wilson Isidor netting last time out in a 2-0 victory over Oxford United.

Rangers do go into the home game against Sunderland after recording a first clean sheet of the campaign.

Burnley had 22 shots to their opponent’s two but were unable to find a way past R’s keeper Paul Nardi.

Cifuentes said: “Burnley have just come from the Premier League, obviously they have a lot of quality and individual talent. We understood it was very important to be patient and find our moments in the game.

“The courage and the bravery the players showed in terms of fighting for the badge was very impressive.”

QPR are 23rd and three points adrift of safety.

PICTURE: PA