Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Championship match.
After the fifth round, Queens Park Rangers probably didn’t expect to face Portsmouth in round 10 as table neighbours (22nd and 23rd). But that's the reality, and they've earned it.
Queens Park Rangers
Following the sixth round, QPR saw their five-match unbeaten run come to an end and are now on a three-match streak without points. It would have been better if they continued to play for draws, as they did earlier. From the seventh to the ninth round, they managed just one goal, and that was from a penalty. Against Blackburn Rovers and Derby County away, their attack was weak: xG didn’t exceed 0.55, with 11 shots and just 3 on target. At home against Hull City, they squandered chances—2.41 xG and 21 shots (7 on target).
Portsmouth
Even Portsmouth haven’t been that wasteful. They haven't lost their last two home games (0:0 against Sheffield United, 1:1 against Oxford United). What happened in Stoke-on-Trent can be termed a misfortune, as almost everything worked for the opponent. Stoke City managed a 6:1 win with eight shots on target, though Portsmouth scored from two shots on target and created 1.29 xG.
Queens Park Rangers vs Portsmouth Prediction
If we disregard the mishap against Stoke City, Portsmouth tend to draw or lose narrowly away. Meanwhile, QPR have yet to win at home (two draws and two losses). The teams are well-matched. The visitors won't be defeated by more than one goal.
