QPR will take on Preston on Saturday, 9 August, as the new Championship season gets underway.
Both clubs finished towards the bottom of the league table last season, and both are expected to be involved in the relegation battle once again this season.
However, it isn't unheard of in the EFL for unfancied teams to produce a brilliant season out of seemingly nowhere, so neither side will be ruling out a potential promotion charge.
As part of our first round of Championship betting tips, check out our QPR vs Preston prediction below.
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QPR vs Preston prediction: The hosts to start with a win
Key facts:
- QPR have won their last four matches against Preston
- Preston have lost four of their last five Championship matches.
- Fewer than three goals have been scored in three of Preston's last four matches.
Correct score prediction: QPR 2-0 Preston
Preston ended last season in freefall, and if the season had gone on for an extra couple of weeks, they'd have been the favourites to go down. Nothing has happened this summer to suggest that they are over that slump, and although QPR are far from one of the best teams in the division, they should have enough at home to overcome Preston.
Pre-game odds and win probability: On a knife-edge
HOME: 13/10 (2.30) – 43.5%
DRAW: 11/5 (3.20) – 31.3%
AWAY: 7/4 (2.75) – 36.4%
*Odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
The QPR vs Preston odds suggest that this match will be tighter than what we are predicting, but that just means our predictions for the match have more value than anticipated. Ladbrokes have given QPR a 43.5% chance of winning the match, while Preston have been given a 36.4% chance of victory.
Feel free to take a look at our football betting tips page to check out our other predictions and tips for the upcoming week.
Recent H2Hs: QPR domination
QPR's recent record against Preston makes the price of 13/10 on a home win this weekend look like a steal. The R's have won each of their last four meetings with Preston and five of their last six. Preston's last triumph over QPR did come at Loftus Road, in a win in 2023, so they do know how to win here.
England Championship 18/04/25
Preston
QPR
England Championship 21/12/24
QPR
Preston
Mexico Champion of Champions 09/08/24
Preston
QPR
England Championship 20/04/24
QPR
Preston
England Championship 01/12/23
Preston
QPR
QPR preview: Burrel to feature
After making the bench for the first time against Brentford, Rumarn Burell is expected to play some part in this one. The summer signing from Burton may need some time to adapt to Championship football but the talent is undoubtedly there. On the injury front, QPR are without Alfie Lloyd, Zan Celar, Michael Frey and Jake Clarke-Salter.
Predicted lineup: Walsh (GK), Dunne, Morrison, Cook, Larkeche, Madsen, Field, Poku, Morgan, Dembele, Chair
England Championship 03/05/25
W
Sunderland
0
QPR
1
England Championship 26/04/25
L
Burnley
5
QPR
0
England Championship 21/04/25
L
Swansea
2
QPR
1
England Championship 18/04/25
W
Preston
1
QPR
2
England Championship 12/04/25
D
Bristol City
1
QPR
1
Preston preview: Experienced players are missing
Two of Preston's most experienced players are missing for this one, with Robbie Brady and Brad Potts both injured. New midfield signing, Jordan Thompson, has also been ruled out. Fellow summer signings, Odelugah Ofiah and Thierry Small, could make their competitive debuts.
Predicted lineup: Iversen (GK), Storey, Gibson, Hughes, Offiah, Thordarson, Whiteman, Frokjaer-Jensen, Small, Osmajic, Smith
England Championship 03/05/25
D
Bristol City
2
Preston
2
England Championship 26/04/25
L
Plymouth
2
Preston
1
England Championship 21/04/25
L
Hull
2
Preston
1
England Championship 18/04/25
L
QPR
2
Preston
1
England Championship 12/04/25
L
Leeds
2
Preston
1
Player to watch: Mads Frokjaer-Jensen
Mads Frokjaer-Jensen has the talent to kick on this season after two solid campaigns with Preston. There is a feeling that there is more to come from the Danish playmaker, but perhaps he needs some better players around him. Regardless, he starts the season as a Preston player, and if he is angling for a move, then he will be keen to put himself in the shop window on Saturday.