The Game
Argyle v Queens Park Rangers. Home Park. Tuesday, 12 August. 7.45pm. Carabao Cup.
The Opposition
After finishing 15th last season, QPR began their 2025/26 campaign with a 1-1 draw at home on Saturday, against Preston North End. The Hoops led at half-time thanks to an own goal, with PNE equalising in the second half through Milutin Osmajic.
The Gaffer
French manager Julien Stéphan arrived at QPR this summer. The former tough-tackling midfielder played for the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Toulouse throughout his playing career in France. Upon retiring, Stéphan linked up with hometown club Rennes, initially spending periods managing the Under-19 and B sides, then getting the job permanently.
The Frenchman spent the next two-and-a-half years with the Ligue 1 side, helping them to win their first major trophy in 48 years after beating PSG on penalties to secure the Coupe de France. After a string of poor results, Stéphan resigned as manager in March 2021 despite a largely successful spell at the club.
Four months later, fellow Ligue 1 club Strasbourg appointed Stéphan; his side finished sixth during his first season in charge, the best in the previous 44 years. However, just over a season later he was sacked with Strasbourg sitting second-bottom and at risk of relegation to Ligue 2.
The Squad
Diminutive wide-man Paul Smyth is now in his second spell at the club after arriving in June 2023. The Northern Irishman broke into the first team at Linfield when he was 18 and spent two seasons playing in the Northern Irish Premiership. QPR signed him in August 2017, the 27-year-old going on to spend the next year-and-a-half in West London before loans at Accrington Stanley, Wycombe Wanderers and Charlton Athletic. In July 2021, he headed to Leyton Orient permanently, where he scored 14 times in 68 games, before returning to Loftus Road upon the expiry of his contract.
26-year-old defensive-midfielder Sam Field (below) started out at West Bromwich Albion, playing for their youth sides before his professional debut came in the Premier League against Liverpool in May 2016. Ahead of 2019/20, Field was loaned out to second-tier side Charlton, where he impressed, attracting the attention of others. The former England youth-international joined QPR initially on loan in February 2021, before the move was made permanent in the summer. Since then, Field has featured over 150 times for the West London outfit.
27-year-old central defender Jimmy Dunne is a product of Manchester United’s academy. The Irishman joined Burnley in July 2016 and had loan spells at Barrow, Accrington Stanley, Hearts, Sunderland and Fleetwood Town, before departing permanently in July 2021. QPR would be where he found a home, having made over 150 appearances for the R’s in his four years at the club, scoring an impressive 11 goals.
Previous Meetings
Last season, Argyle played QPR early in the season, at MATRADE Loftus Road, in league action. The game finished 1-1. Rangers scored very early, through Michael Frey, but Argyle equalised through Morgan Whittaker, and were going well before Adam Forshaw got sent off. Despite QPR pressure, Argyle held on. At Home Park, in January, QPR picked up a 1-0 win when Rayan Kolli scored, shortly after coming on as a substitute.
Argyle TV
Supporters unable to attend Tuesday's Carabao Cup tie against Queens Park Rangers can now purchase an Argyle TV match pass for the game at Home Park.
Due to competition rules, we are not permitted to sell video match passes for this fixture. Audio match passes can be purchased by supporters worldwide, enabling you to follow the action wherever you are. The match kicks off at 7.45pm, and live commentary will come from Charlie Price, who will be joined on co-commentary by Brian McGlinchey.
Click here to purchase your Argyle TV match pass.
Sky Sports
The game will be broadcast on Sky Sports +.
