Rovers Under-23s return to action this afternoon when Mike Sheron takes his side south to tackle Queens Park Rangers in game three of their Premier League Cup campaign.

Sheron, a former QPR striker during his playing days, will lead the team in west London as Rovers look to move level on points with table-topping Middlesbrough, which will happen should they win at Grosvenor Vale.

Following a 4-1 defeat at Nottingham Forest in the opening game of the group, Rovers got back on track with victory over Middlesbrough back in October, with Harry Leonard's first Development Squad goal earning a narrow 3-2 win for Sheron's side.

As for today's hosts, the Hoops earned an emphatic 6-2 victory against Nottingham Forest last time out having lost to Middlesbrough in their opening Premier League Cup encounter.

They come into the game in second place in the standings but have an identical record to bottom-placed Rovers after two games played, albeit with a better goal difference.

Rovers could make changes having suffered a heavy defeat to Derby County in Premier League 2 Division 1 last time out.

Connor McBride and Georgie Gent could be pushing for starts having come off the bench in Loughborough, whilst a bonus for Sheron comes in the form of Sam Burns, who has recently returned from a loan spell with FC United of Manchester.

Another Rover who had a loan spell away from the club this season is Dan Pike. The defender returned from his stint with AFC Fylde early due to injury but could earn minutes in today's game as he looked to boost his match fitness.

Should he feature, the right-back will appear for the Under-23s for the first time since he played against Leicester City in the 1-1 draw at Leyland back in late August.

Preview: Queens Park Rangers Under-23s v Rovers Under-23s