QPR’s emergence as promotion contenders is particularly surprising given their poor finish to the previous season, where they secured only two points from their final six matches.
The Hoops have established the second-strongest defensive record in the Championship, conceding just seven goals in their opening eight fixtures. Their sole defeat came at home against Middlesbrough, a match in which they could have claimed a draw or better.
However, their most significant challenge remains the conversion of scoring opportunities.
Despite recording 261 touches in the opponent’s penalty area—second-highest in the league—and earning 55 corners, also second-most, their shot conversion rate of 7.3% ranks 20th out of 24 teams.
Stoke City, after suffering three consecutive defeats, have rebounded strongly by accumulating 13 points from their subsequent five games, positioning them just four points behind the league leaders.
Manager Mark Robins faced intense pressure following a disappointing end to last season, with only one point from the final six matches resulting in a 17th-place finish despite earlier promotion hopes. Nevertheless, recent performances indicate a promising upturn for the Potters.
Stoke now trail West Bromwich Albion by one point, a club that has transformed from occupying the bottom four positions last season to now featuring in the top five, even after a recent loss to Wolves.
Lincoln City have returned to the Championship for the first time in 65 years, embarking on their campaign under new management with an impressive start.
Although they share the lowest goal tally in the division, the League One champions have secured a league-leading four clean sheets in eight games—matching Swansea City—and their 11-point return places them just two points outside the top six, despite widespread predictions of a bottom-place finish.