Ilias Chair (QPR)Getty Images

Along with Preston, Bristol City and QPR share the longest current uninterrupted run of Championship status – a decade this season – so there’s a certain familiarity about today’s fixture at Ashton Gate.

The outcome has also been familiar during recent seasons, with Rangers triumphing on each of their last four trips down the M4 – most recently in February, when Ilias Chair netted the only goal.

Marti Cifuentes’ side have rediscovered some form lately, hauling themselves off the foot of the table with a much-needed run of 11 points from five games, the last four of which have also delivered clean sheets.

However, QPR may be wary of the presence of one of their former strikers in the Robins’ ranks - veteran Nahki Wells, who has five goals this season - although another, Sinclair Armstrong, misses out through injury.

City’s own form has been patchy of late, with a 4-0 victory against Plymouth their only success in five games, although they were only denied another win away to Sunderland in midweek by Patrick Roberts’ last-minute equaliser.

  • Heckingbottom's long-awaited reunion

    Preston v Leeds (12:30 GMT)

    Preston boss Paul HeckingbottomRex Features

    Paul Heckingbottom's brief spell in charge of Leeds probably feels like a long time ago for all concerned now.

    Heckingbottom left his job as Barnsley boss to take over at Elland Road in February 2018 but after eight defeats from his 16 games in charge was sacked in June to make way for Marcelo Bielsa... Who fared rather better.

    This will be the Preston boss' first time managing against the Whites since his unceremonious dumping.

    Daniel Farke's men are in excellent nick after despatching in-form Middlesbrough 3-1 on Tuesday and will go top should they avoid defeat at Deepdale.

    That said, they have lost two of their past three games away from home and Preston are unbeaten in five.

  • Rampant Rams end poor run by demolishing Pompey

    FT: Derby 4-0 Portsmouth

    Ebou AdamsRex Features

    It was a one-sided affair last night at Pride Park as Derby swept to their first victory in seven games, hammering an out of sorts Portsmouth side.

    The Rams led 3-0 at the break thanks to goals from Kane Wilson, Eiran Cashin and Ebou Adams and an own goal from Pompey skipper Marlon Pack compounded a miserable night for the visitors.

    You can read our match report here.

  • Today's Championship fixtures

    All games kick off at 15:00 GMT, unless otherwise stated

    • Bristol City v QPR (12:30 GMT)
    • Coventry v Hull (12:30 GMT)
    • Preston v Leeds (12:30 GMT)
    • Blackburn v Luton
    • Middlesbrough v Millwall
    • Oxford v Sheffield Wednesday
    • Sheffield United v Plymouth Argyle
    • Stoke v Cardiff
    • Swansea v Sunderland

  • Making a break for it?

    Daniel Farke gives a thumbs up as he gets off the team busRex Features

    With third-placed Burnley not in action until tomorrow the Championship's top two could put a little more breathing room between themselves and the chasing pack today.

    Second-placed Leeds have the chance to go top ahead of Sheffield United, albeit possibly briefly, if they can get a positive result at Preston in one of today's three early games.

    In the other 12:30 GMT games, bottom-of-the-table Hull City visit a Coventry side whose season looks to be going nowhere fast and improving QPR travel to midtable Bristol City.

    After that we've got six more second tier games, including the Blades, who haven't conceded a goal at home since August, against Plymouth, who haven't won away all season...

    Let's get going.