QPR boss Mark Hughes reckoned his side were unfortunate to lose at Tottenham last time out, as they were rocked by two second-half goals in quick succession.

Rangers remain winless in the Premier League, having lost three and drawn two of their outings so far. Positive signs have arrived in fits and starts, although for a side brimming with experience, they have been missing a spark at times.

Two players liable to provide some of that invention – Djibril Cisse and Adel Taarabt – have been peripheral figures of late but Hughes has insisted both remain part of his plans.

Defensive duo Jose Bosingwa and Fabio are doubts for Monday’s clash, while Andrew Johnson is a likely to be out for the majority of the campaign with knee trouble.

West Ham haven’t quite managed to find consistency in the early stages of the campaign but eight points from five games counts as an encouraging return for the newly-promoted Hammers.

However, they did slump to a 4-1 home defeat at the hands of Wigan in the Capital One Cup in midweek, albeit with a number of fringe players included.

Sam Allardyce’s men go in search of their first away league victory of the season at Loftus Road, having failed to score in their two previous trips – a 3-0 reverse at Swansea and a goalless draw at Norwich.

Jack Collison (knee) and loanee Andy Carroll (hamstring) are both set to miss the derby.

Neither side has set the world alight of late but after enjoying useful moments against Spurs, it may finally be time for the R’s to notch that first victory, but don’t expect it to be comfortable.

Verdict: QPR 1-0 West Ham