Stoke Vs QPR Preview, Prediction, Team News And Predicted Lineups

Ahead of Saturday’s 3pm clash, we have the Stoke vs QPR preview, prediction, latest team news and predicted lineups.

Stoke Vs QPR Preview

After six seasons of EFL Championship mid-table finishes, Stoke find themselves in a relegation dogfight with eight games to go.

As it stands, the Potters are just one point and two places above Derby in 22nd. Their precarious position essentially boils down to the Staffordshire side’s lack of goals.

After 38 games, Stoke have found the back of the net on just 37 occasions. Only Luton’s tally of 34 is worse. Manager Mark Robins really needs to get his boys firing on all cylinders during the business end of the campaign.

The former Coventry gaffer took charge at the bet365 Stadium on New Year’s Day but has managed just four wins from his 15 outings so far.

One of those victories came against playoff chasing Blackburn on March 12. However, the Potters slipped to defeat in their last fixture against Millwall before the international break.

We will be celebrating all things Community Trust at Saturday's game vs QPR, and the big ticket giveaway has begun! Well done to these #PLKicks participants who have been rewarded for their positive engagement! 👏

Keep up the good work, and enjoy the game! ❤️🤍@PLCommunities pic.twitter.com/RRoCk5MpLp

— Stoke City Community Trust (@scfc_community) March 25, 2025

QPR’s playoff chances have all but disappeared after an alarming drop in form. Since back-to-back wins against Plymouth and Hull in mid-January, the R’s have won just twice in 10 games.

However, Marti Cifuentes’ side did earn a very credible point against Leeds last time out. A stunning Koki Saito strike and Steve Cook header put the west Londoners 2-0 up before the Whites fought back to draw 2-2.

That in itself should give the Super Hoops a glimmer of hope prior to Saturday’s match. Rangers need a couple of victories to cement their position in mid-table and trips to the bet365 Stadium often prove fruitful.

The R’s have won on three of their last five visits to Staffordshire with their latest coming in 2023. In the reverse fixture this season, the sides played out a 1-1 draw at Loftus Road.

Ahead of the match, the best football betting sites make Stoke the slight 7/5 favourites. QPR can be backed at 9/4 with the draw 11/5.

Stoke Vs QPR Team News

Experienced defender Ben Gibson will once again be missing for Stoke owing to a leg injury. The 32-year-old hasn’t featured since the 3-1 victory over Swansea on February 15.

Manchester City loanee Josh Wilson-Esbrand is also expected to be ruled out. The same applies to Morocco international Ryan Mmaee.

Meanwhile, QPR will be without star midfielder Ilias Chair as well as winger Koki Saito. The latter was sent off in the dying embers of the draw against Leeds.

Lucas Andersen and Karamoko Dembele are set to start in the attacking three alongside Paul Smyth. Top scorer Michael Frey will lead the line up top.

Next up: Stoke (A) 🔙 pic.twitter.com/rw4pkieNn7

— QPR FC (@QPR) March 26, 2025

Stoke Vs QPR Predicted Lineups

Stoke (4-4-1-1): Johansson; Tchamadeu, Phillips, Wilmot, Bocat; Thompson, Burger, Koumas, Baker, Manhoef; Gallagher

QPR (4-2-3-1): Nardi; Dunne, Cook, Fox, Paal; Colback, Edwards, Smyth, Andersen, Dembele; Frey

Stoke Vs QPR Prediction

Both sides head into the clash in poor form with Stoke’s need for points much greater than QPR’s. However, the Potters lack of goals is a huge concern and we are predicting Rangers to nick a priceless win to deepen Mark Robins’ relegation fears.

Prediction: Stoke 0-1 QPR