Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Championship match.
It seems everything is clear in this match when looking at the league table. Sunderland are first, while Queens Park Rangers are second to last. However, last season both clubs finished with the same number of points, with Sunderland only ahead due to a better goal difference. Do the hosts have even a slight chance?
Queens Park Rangers
Queens Park Rangers have started drawing games again, just as they did at the beginning of the season. They picked up a point not only at home against fellow strugglers Coventry City (1:1) but also in an away match against league leaders Burnley (0:0). Essentially, the Londoners managed to escape with a point against Burnley. The hosts challenged their defence with 22 shots, but only four were on target, resulting in just a 1.20 xGA. QPR had a tiny xG (0.08), but one of their two shots hit the woodwork. The London side are slowly regaining form, but will it be enough against the leaders?
Sunderland
Sunderland are the best-performing side in the league over the last five matches, boasting four victories and a draw. With QPR's help last week, they extended their lead at the top to five points. Of course, the upcoming fixture presents a great opportunity to at least maintain that gap. In the 12th round against Oxford United, Wilson Isidor scored again, marking his fourth goal of the season. Romaine Mundle, playing on the left of an attacking trident, has matched that goal tally.
Queens Park Rangers vs Sunderland Prediction
So, can QPR secure at least a point? A similar escape to the one against Burnley is possible, but the head-to-head statistics are not in their favour: the last two matches at Loftus Road resulted in comfortable victories for Sunderland (3:0 and 3:1). This Saturday, the visitors will win again.
