Queens Park Rangers and Sunderland have had very contrasting seasons, with the Black Cats five points clear atop the Championship, while the Rs sit just one point off last place. The Championship is the home of big upsets however. Could there be a surprise at Loftus Road?
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QPR vs Sunderland prediction: Visitors confident of another three points
- Sunderland and QPR sit at opposite ends of the form table. In their last five, no side has more points than the Black Cats, and none fewer than QPR.
- The Wearside club have scored in every Championship game this season.
- QPR on the other hand, have just one clean sheet all campaign.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Black Cats backed to make it four on the spin
Home: 11/4 (3.75) – 26.7%
Draw: 12/5 (3.40) – 29.4%
Away: 11/10 (2.10) – 47.6%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Sunderland are the bookmakers' tip to win this clash, with a 47.6% chance of winning. Given the form of the two sides, we are inclined to agree.
For more tips on this weekend's Championship action and more, check out our football betting tips page.
Last five H2Hs: A rotten Rs run
Sunderland and QPR are familiar foes, both in the Championship and a few years back in their respective Premier League glory days. However, in recent years, the Black Cats have had the upper paw, and are unbeaten in six.
England Championship 16/03/24
Sunderland
QPR
England Championship 16/09/23
QPR
Sunderland
England Championship 14/02/23
QPR
Sunderland
England Championship 13/08/22
Sunderland
QPR
England EFL Cup 26/10/21
QPR
Sunderland
QPR preview: In dire need of first home win
As mentioned above, it's been tough going for the Rs this season, and Loftus Road has offered little shelter, with the west Londoners yet to win at home.
The positive for QPR is that their last two results have been a little better following the nadir of a home defeat to Portsmouth. They secured a steady home point against Coventry, and a surprise 0-0 at Burnley.
Predicted lineup: Nardi (GK), Dunne, Clarke-Salter, Cook, Ashby, Dembele, Varane, Field, Saito, Chair, Celar
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
Sunderland preview: A game to carry momentum
Despite the departure of last season's star, Jack Clarke, Sunderland have been the Championship's form side, topping the table with a youthful midfield stealing the show.
Chris Rigg, Daniel Neill and Jobe Bellingham have blitzed opponents all season long, and will be relishing the opportunity to make their mark at Loftus Road.
The biggest concern for the Black Cats going into this one is the fitness of top scorer Wilson Isidor, who may not make this one.
Predicted lineup: Patterson (GK), Hume, Mepham, O'Nein, Cirkin, Rigg, Neill, Bellingham, Roberts, Connolly, Mundle
England Championship 09/05/25
W
Coventry
1
Sunderland
2
England Championship 03/05/25
L
QPR
1
Sunderland
0
England Championship 26/04/25
L
Oxford Utd
2
Sunderland
0
England Championship 21/04/25
L
Blackburn
1
Sunderland
0
England Championship 18/04/25
L
Bristol City
2
Sunderland
1
Player to watch – Chris Rigg
17-year-old Chris Rigg has had a dreamlike season so far, scoring three from midfield and injecting speed and dynamism every time Sunderland find him in midfield.
With Premier League clubs already reportedly watching him closely, this game could be another opporunity for the youngster to raise his profile.