Middlesbrough travel to London this weekend as they take on Queens Park Rangers.

In recent seasons the Teessiders have been runaway favourites to get a result in this game, but this time around things could be very different.

Jonathan Woodgate's side have struggled massively so far this season, with a run of eight games without a win leaving them firmly in the relegation zone.

There's a long way to go this season but Middlesbrough will have to shape up quickly if they want to avoid a scrap for survival.

Unfortunately for Woodgate, he also faces a selection headache with the news that he could be without eight players for the trip to West London.

Rudy Gestede (hamstring), Ryan Shotton, Darren Randolph (thigh) and George Friend (thigh), Ashley Fletcher (calf), Ben Liddle (illness) and Marcus Browne (hamstring) are all set to miss out through injury, while George Saville misses the game after picking up a three-game ban for a red card against Derby County.

But what impact will the latest team news have on Jonathan Woodgate's side? We take a look!

A thread-bare squad

It goes without saying, but it's going to be slim-pickings as Jonathan Woodgate looks to name his side for the QPR clash.

The teamsheet against Derby County was really lacking in experience, with only four of the seven substitutes being what you'd describe as members of the first team squad.

Take into account George Saville's suspension and Marcus Browne's injury and you're looking at a squad with just two senior players on it - one of whom is third choice goalkeeper Tomás Mejías.

A lack of creativity

It's a problem which haunts Jonathan Woodgate at the best of times, but given the current situation it's hard to see things getting any better any time soon.

Britt Assombalonga is the only fit striker in the squad with Ashley Fletcher and Rudy Gestede nursing injuries, while Marcus Browne is also nursing a hamstring injury which rules him out.

Marcus Tavernier and Marvin Johnson are likely to start, but other than that it could be a case of relying on the youngsters on the bench.

Not an ideal scenario as we move into the hectic winter schedule.

No Plan B

While picking a starting XI could prove to be a simple task, selecting some substitutes to change the game could be a lot trickier.

With Championship experience at a real premium, Middlesbrough's bench at Loftus Road looks like it could be severely lacking in a credible option to make an impact on the pitch - especially if Boro are chasing a result.

Substitutes play a crucial role in the game as they capitalise on tired legs and open spaces, but with Woodgate's bench lacking any real experience at this level it seems that any call to give the youngsters game time could be a real gamble.