Luton will be tougher in league game - Cifuentes
Marti Cifuentes' side are through to the Carabao Cup third round and have two points from their opening three Championship matches
- Published
Queens Park Rangers boss Marti Cifuentes expects Luton Town to be "tougher" when the two sides meet again in the Championship on Friday.
The Hoops knocked the Hatters out of the Carabao Cup on penalties at Loftus Road on Tuesday and their next game is a visit to Kenilworth Road.
Debutant Hevertton Santos' 11th-minute opener was cancelled out by Zack Nelson five minutes later as match ended 1-1, with QPR winning 4-1 in the penalty shootout.
Both clubs are without a win from their opening three league games - the R's have two points while Luton have one.
Despite the slow start, Cifuentes believes Luton manager Rob Edwards has a highly competitive team following their relegation from the Premier League last season.
"There are always details you learn when playing them. But at the same time I know they are very clear on their identity, so I don't expect big changes in the approach," he told BBC Radio London.
"I think the manager has done a fantastic job over the last season, building not only good results but a clear way of playing football.
"It's going to be a tougher game on Friday, so we need to be ready and recover now as soon as possible, because it's only two days to recover from this and on Friday we will go again against a difficult team."
Cifuentes made seven changes to the side who drew 1-1 with Plymouth Argyle on Saturday, handing starts to new signings Liam Morrison, Jonathan Varane, Zan Celar and Santos.
"Obviously it's a boost of energy and confidence for him [Santos] and for every player to score," he added.
"I'm happy for Zan to score that penalty in the shootout. I think Liam had a very good solid game, and Walshy [goalkeeper Joe Walsh] fantastic game with two very good saves in the game, and another in the penalty shootout.
"I'm very happy with the players we introduced with fresh legs and the way they responded, and now it's about them to show they can contribute every week."