Steve McClaren is back in the English game and looking to prove he is still a top coach at Loftus Road, where a young QPR side threaten to evolve into something far more.

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Depending on your view they're either frighteningly low on experience or primed to surprise a few people this season, but young talent such as Ebere Eze and Ryan Manning might be all Rangers have to rely on as the transfer window looms large.

There's still lots of time and transfers will continue to happen right up until the window, but for now McClaren has to take stock of his current squad and decide which players he plans to deploy on Saturday.

Preston North End are a dark horse for promotion, last season they fell away towards the end but a summer of consistency will surely see them back amongst the top ten.

So, how can McClaren pull of a victory this weekend? FLW looks at some surprise selections he could make to get the better of Alex Neill.

Gargantuan forward Smith ended last season as second or third choice striker behind namesake Paul Smyth, but could his sizeable frame and physical presence be the focal point of McClaren's new-look Hoops?

Smith might not get 20 goals a season but there's every chance he could lay them on for someone else.

Washington fell out of favour at the end of last season, but perhaps McClaren will be giving the former Peterborough man a second try.

If he got him back amongst the goals then it would be a master-stroke, especially as Washington is as good in the eighteen yard area as anyone in the Championship, on his day.

The question of who will start in goal has to be raised and although Matt Ingram looks favourite, surely Joe Lumley will be considered?

The 23-year old has barely featured for QPR in the past, but perhaps a change of manager will bring a change of fortune.