QPR vs Stoke City Preview: How to Watch on TV, Live Stream, Kick Off Time & Team News
Queens Park Rangers are set to host Stoke City on Saturday, with Mark Warburton hoping to get his team back on track.
The Rs have been poor in recent weeks after a bright start to the season, but now find themselves slipping down the Championship table.
Meanwhile, the Potters are currently fighting against relegation, sitting just four points ahead of Wigan despite being promotion favourites back in August.
Does Michael O’Neill have what it takes to cause upset at Loftus Road? Here’s 90min’s preview of the game…
Where to Watch
When Is Kick Off? | Saturday 15 February |
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What Time Is Kick Off? | 15:00 (GMT) |
Where Is It Played? | Loftus Road |
TV Channel/Live Stream? | Highlights available on Quest TV |
Referee? | Oliver Langford |
Team News
QPR are still without long-term absentee Charlie Owens after the 22-year-old picked up a knee injury back in September. His return date remains unknown.
Meanwhile, Spurs loanee Jack Clarke could be brought into the side after missing the latest fixture against Swansea.
As for Stoke, O’Neill currently has many concerns - with Thibaud Verlinden, James McClean and Sam Clucas all facing setbacks during their game against Preston. Verlinden came on during the latter stages of the game but was then brought down by Darnell Fisher, picking up an ankle injury and leaving the stadium on crutches. McClean also picked up a knee injury and Clucas is currently suffering with a hip problem, and the pair are doubts for the trip to Loftus Road.
The Potters are also without Stephen Ward and Ryan Shawcross due to injuries, with the latter having made just three appearances this term.
Predicted Lineups
QPR: | Kelly; Rangel, Hall, Barbet, Manning; Amos, Ball, Clarke, Eze, Pugh; Hugill |
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Stoke City: | Butland; Smith, Batth, Lindsay, Martins Indi; Ince, Allen, Powell, Clucas, McClean; Campbell |
Head to Head Record
Historically, QPR hold the upper hand when it comes to the head to head record – claiming 18 victories compared to Stoke’s 11.
There have also been nine draws between the two sides - and their most recent meeting resulted in a 2-1 win to QPR at the start of the season.
Recent Form
As previously mentioned, QPR have been seriously struggling lately - picking up just one win in their past five Championship fixtures. Their last league victory came against Leeds last month, with the Rs somehow pulling off a 1-0 win at Loftus Road.
However, they have since picked up disappointing results from the likes of Blackburn, Bristol City and Huddersfield.
On the other hand, the Potters have managed an impressive three wins out of their last five league games, including a big win against current leaders West Brom. That being said, they'll be in damp spirits when they travel to London on Saturday, having lost 2-0 to Preston earlier this week.
Here’s how the two teams have performed in their last five games.
QPR | Stoke City |
|---|---|
Swansea City 0-0 QPR (11/02) | Stoke City 0-2 Preston (12/02) |
Huddersfield 2-0 QPR (08/02) | Stoke City 3-1 Charlton (08/02) |
QPR 0-1 Bristol City (01/02) | Derby County 4-0 Stoke City (31/01) |
Blackburn 2-1 QPR (28/01) | Stoke City 2-0 Swansea City (25/01) |
QPR 1-2 Sheffield Wednesday (24/01) | West Brom 0-1 Stoke City (20/01) |
Prediction
Although QPR currently sit five points ahead of Stoke, you simply can’t ignore their poor form, and it could be another long afternoon for home fans
Meanwhile, O’Neill will be desperate to get his side as far away from the relegation zone as possible, hoping to claim at least a point at Loftus Road.
Prediction: QPR 1-1 Stoke City