Mark Warburton’s new-look Queens Park Rangers side could mount a serious push for a top-six spot this season. But what will Warburton need to learn from his new club’s mishaps last season?

One point off of Bristol City in sixth going into the international break, Warburton would’ve been a very happy man.

His summer transformation of the West London club has revolutionised them this season. QPR are 9th in the Championship after a 4-2 win against Blackburn Rovers earlier in the month, and resume their campaign at Hull this weekend.

Having won five of their last seven, QPR have put themselves within touching distance of a play-off spot which for Warburton in his debut season at the club, would be quite the achievement.

Here we take a look at three lessons that Warburton and QPR will need to learn from last season:

Defensive frailties still at large

QPR finished 19th in the Championship last season, 11 points off of relegated Rotherham United.

That figure probably does QPR some credit - they were woeful last season and relegation was a real threat throughout.

Conceding 71 goals under first Steve McClaren and then his assistant John Eustace who took over caretaker manager, QPR finished with a goal-difference of -18.

The first thing that Warburton would’ve highlighted at the club is their vulnerability in defence. Only the relegated teams conceded more than QPR last season, whose defence this season has, at times, been just as bad.

Warburton still has work to do on the defensive side of operations at QPR. But with the attacking intent in the team, a solid defence would take them into the Premier League.

Form on the road

Last season QPR picked up 21 points from a possible 69 away from home.

This season already they've picked up nine points from five away matches, with Warburton instilling some solidity to his new side on the road.

QPR have travelled to Stoke, Millwall and Sheffield Wednesday this season and left with all three points, as their upturn in away form is making up for their often inconsistent performances at home.

Warburton has definitely done something right regarding QPR's away performances. They’re a stark contrast to the team that lost 7-1 at West Brom at the start of last season, and their away record will prove pivotal in their play-off push this time around.

Stick with a keeper

Last season, Joe Lumley became the QPR number one after Matt Ingram had failed to impress between the sticks.

This season, Lumley was dropped after nine games for Liam Kelly.

If Warburton is to learn one thing from last season, it’s that he needs to find a regular goalkeeper. His side has already conceded 19 goals this season - five coming in the last two games against Cardiff City and Blackburn Rovers where Kelly has made his first two league appearances for the club.

Lumley's sudden admission surprised some fans, but in their search for a first clean sheet of the season, change was probably appropriate.

It’s expected that Lumley will return to the starting line-up for the game against Hull this weekend, and Warburton’s watchful eye will be cast over whoever he picks.

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