In a crucial match at the lower end of the league, Stoke City will host Queens Park Rangers at the bet365 Stadium in the Championship on Wednesday night.
Stoke’s poor form persisted at Blackburn Rovers on Saturday, while QPR secured a draw against Norwich City on the same day.
Match preview
Stoke faced their fourth consecutive defeat in the Championship after a narrow win against Rotherham United. They blame 37 minutes of first-half struggles for returning pointless from Ewood Park despite Niall Ennis’s first goal for the club.
Tyrhys Dolan scored twice for Damien Johnson’s Rovers, and Sammie Szmodics added another goal, making it challenging for Stoke, who have won only two of their last 17 matches.
Steven Schumacher was brought in to push Stoke towards the top six, but their current position is 20th, just three points ahead of QPR with 15 games remaining.
Most of Stoke’s January signings focused on forwards, neglecting their defense, which has conceded 13 goals in the last four defeats.
Winger Andre Vidigal, signed from Maritimo, leads Stoke’s goal-scoring charts with five goals in 23 games, followed by Ryan Mmaee.
After a winless streak, QPR collected eight points from their last four matches, including a draw with Norwich, lifting them closer to safety.
QPR, with recent signings like Lucas Andersen and Michael Frey, aim to climb out of the relegation zone.
Despite having attacking talents like Chair, Willock, and Dykes, full-back Kenneth Paal is QPR’s top scorer with four goals in 31 games.
Team News
Stoke might miss midfielder Josh Laurent due to an ankle injury, while Tyrese Campbell could replace Million Manhoef in attack.
Daniel Johnson’s spot is uncertain after his missed penalty, with Lewis Baker and Luke Cundle vying for starts.
QPR may see Frey and Anderson in the starting lineup, potentially benching Willock and Armstrong.
Predicted lineups:
Stoke City:
Iversen;
Hoever, McNally, Wilmot, Gooch;
Cundle, Burger, Bae;
Ennis, Wesley, Vidigal
Queens Park Rangers:
Begovic;
Cannon, Cook, Clarke-Salter, Paal;
Colback, Hayden, Willock, Hodge, Chair;
Frey
Prediction: Stoke City 1-2 Queens Park Rangers
Anticipate a closely contested match at the bet365 Stadium, with both teams desperate for victory. While Stoke City faces internal challenges, Queens Park Rangers’ recent additions could give them the edge.
Expect the R’s to secure a crucial away win in this relegation showdown.
