Sunderland v Queens Park Rangers - Sky Bet Championship Romaine Mundle of Sunderland is attempting a cross while under pressure from Kenneth Paal of QPR during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sunderland and Queens Park Rangers at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland, on March 16, 2024. Sunderland Tyne and Wear United Kingdom PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRA Copyright: xMIxNewsx originalFilename:fletcher-sunderla240316_npDBe.jpg
🔥 Our Hot tip

Sunderland to score over 1.5 goals

Sunderland have scored in every game this season, and face one of the worst defences in the division

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?

QPR vs Sunderland prediction: Will the in form Black Cats have too much for QPR
QPR vs Sunderland prediction: Will the in form Black Cats have too much for their hosts? – Photo by imago

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

Sunderland

0
QPR

QPR

0

England Championship 16/09/23

QPR

QPR

1
Sunderland

Sunderland

3

England Championship 14/02/23

QPR

QPR

0
Sunderland

Sunderland

3

England Championship 13/08/22

Sunderland

Sunderland

2
QPR

QPR

2

England EFL Cup 26/10/21

QPR

QPR

0 (1)
Sunderland

Sunderland

0 (3)

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

Sunderland

0

QPR

QPR

1

England Championship 26/04/25

L

Burnley

Burnley

5

QPR

QPR

0

England Championship 21/04/25

L

Swansea

Swansea

2

QPR

QPR

1

England Championship 18/04/25

W

Preston

Preston

1

QPR

QPR

2

England Championship 12/04/25

D

Bristol City

Bristol City

1

QPR

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

Coventry

1

Sunderland

Sunderland

2

England Championship 03/05/25

L

QPR

QPR

1

Sunderland

Sunderland

0

England Championship 26/04/25

L

Oxford Utd

Oxford Utd

2

Sunderland

Sunderland

0

England Championship 21/04/25

L

Blackburn

Blackburn

1

Sunderland

Sunderland

0

England Championship 18/04/25

L

Bristol City

Bristol City

2

Sunderland

Sunderland

1

Chris Rigg has caught the eye despite his tender years – Photo by imago/Mike Egerton

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.


William Evans is a football and politics fanatic. A first-class graduate of UEA's Broadcast and Digital Journalism MA course, he also achieved a first class degree in politics and media studies during his time at UEA.