Burton Albion go in search of their first back-to-back wins of the Championship season as they travel to Queens Park Rangers tomorrow (3pm).

The Brewers' victory at Loftus Road in January was only their second away triumph in 2016/17, and Nigel Clough will hope his side's recent momentum in the league can make it the venue of their first this season.

Ian Holloway's Rs, though, are in imperious form on home soil.

We spoke to QPR writer Phil Spencer of getwestlondon.co.uk about the Rs' home comforts, solid starts and injury troubles.

EARLY REASONS FOR OPTIMISM

Matt Smit(centre) alongside his QPR teammates after scoring in the draw with Millwall

QPR ended the 2016/17 season in 18th place, only two places and a single point better off than the Brewers.

They lost exactly half of their 46 league games - three more defeats than Clough's men suffered.

It is perhaps no surprise, then, that expectations were reasonably low among Rangers fans ahead of the new season, according to Spencer, especially given they won only one of their final seven games.

Fast forward to September 23, though, and Holloway's side have shown QPR supporters that there is reason to be hopeful of the campaign ahead.

Eleven points from eight games leaves them 11th and looking up rather than down.

"It was a sorry finish to the end of last season, and it's safe to say that the mood within the QPR community was downbeat," said Spencer.

"With a relative lack of transfer activity compared to previous seasons, many tipped the Hoops to have a similar campaign to last year, with a relegation battle seeming the most likely outcome.

"However, the early form of the team has really instilled a sense of optimism around the camp.

"Victories over teams such as Reading, Hull City and Ipswich Town have gone a long way to propelling the club up the table.

"It is still very early days, but QPR's early-season form, particularly at Loftus Road, seems to have restored the feel-good factor in west London."

FORTRESS LOFTUS ROAD

QPR's Loftus Road

Spencer is not wrong to highlight the Hoops' form in front of their own supporters.

Three wins and one draw from their four league games at Loftus Road means QPR will be in confident mood as the Brewers arrive.

They have scored two goals in each of those outings as well - so they are not a goal-shy side.

Were it not for their shakiness on the road, they would be entrenched in the top six at this early stage.

"The reason for the inconsistency so far is simple - it's home form v away form," added Spencer.

"QPR have been a revelation at Loftus Road this season, winning three and drawing one of the four played this season.

"The team's away form hasn't been fantastic. But if they can maintain their quality at home this term, then the worries of last season are sure to be a thing of the past."

DANGER MAN

QPR signed Josh Scowen from Barnsley in the summer

"It has to be Josh Scowen.

"The QPR midfield has been a huge plus this season, with Scowen, Massimo Luongo and Luke Freeman forming an excellent understanding despite being in the early reaches of the campaign.

"Scowen is fundamental to that. He sits just in front of the defence, sensing danger and setting the other two up to move swiftly on the counter attack."

PHYSIO ROOM

QPR captain Nedum Onuoha

The growing positivity around Loftus Road has been tempered somewhat by the Hoops' extensive injury list.

Scowen is expected to come back into the side after missing the 3-2 loss at Middlesbrough, as is striker Conor Washington, who scored in the corresponding fixture against Burton last season.

Still, the defence especially has been struggling with fitness issues.

"Injuries are certainly biting!" said Spencer.

"Despite the positive news that Washington, Scowen and Jordan Cousins are likely to come back into contention for the Burton match, the injury list is still significantly longer than Ian Holloway would want.

"This is particularly evident in defence, where the Hoops are missing captain Nedum Onuoha, Grant Hall, Joel Lynch and Jake Bidwell.

"All four of that quartet would undoubtedly be regular first-team players if fit.

"QPR will have no choice but to field a makeshift defence once again, and will be hoping it can hold firm to get a result."