Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Championship match.
Queens Park Rangers have improved after a dreadful start and are pushing towards the top half, whereas Oxford United sit near the bottom and are in a relegation fight.
Queens Park Rangers
Queens Park Rangers began the season on a winless run, including a 7:1 defeat to Coventry City, but have since turned a corner. Over the last four matches they have taken 10 points, climbed to ninth in the standings and sit just two points off second. The team remain unbeaten at home: a draw with Preston North End followed by wins over Charlton Athletic and Stoke City. New signing Richard Kone has already scored three times and has become a key figure in attack. In the last round Queens Park Rangers salvaged a 1:1 draw against Sheffield Wednesday, extending their unbeaten run. The head-to-head record also favours the hosts, with three successive wins over Oxford United since 2021.
Oxford United
Oxford United started poorly: five points from seven matches and 22nd in the standings. Recent rounds brought draws with Leicester City and Coventry City, plus a win over Bristol City, but the overall level of play is concerning. At the weekend the team lost 1:0 to Sheffield United, failing to score for the first time in a while. Will Lankshear, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur, remains the top scorer with three goals. Away from home, Oxford United do pick up points, but there is no consistency. The winless run at home adds pressure, and the team look to compensate with cautious away performances.
Queens Park Rangers vs Oxford United Prediction
Queens Park Rangers have built momentum and look stable at home. Oxford United are finding it hard to play their way out of a slump and rely heavily on a single forward in attack. Given the difference in form and the head-to-head record, the hosts should take all three points.
