QPR vs Sunderland prediction: ENGLAND: Championship betting tips on match 2023-02-13 19:45.
Manager Neil Critchley is begging for patience as he desperately tries to turn QPR’s season around. The Hoops slumped to a ninth successive game in all competitions without a victory (D5, L4) as they were beaten 2-1 in a London derby by Millwall on Saturday, but their boss insists he needs “time” as he tries to “put my imprint on this squad.”
The winless run stretches back to Critchley’s first game in charge in December, and his side have now dropped to seven points off the pace in the race for the top six. Their form at Loftus Road, where QPR have not tasted success since October (D2, L5), is an increasing worry too, and they are at risk of an eighth straight home league fixture without a win for the first time since 2014/15, when they were relegated from the Premier League.
One of the teams between QPR and the play-off places visit West London in the form of Sunderland, who are eying a return to the top-flight after a six-year absence. The Black Cats edged to a 1-0 win over Reading last time out thanks to Patrick Roberts’ late strike and have now lost only two of their last 11 Championship fixtures (W6, D3).
Manager Tony Mowbray is demanding more from his side, though, admitting they put in a “dull” and “tired” display against the Royals. He will be hoping a trip to Loftus Road, where Sunderland have won six of their last ten trips (D1, L3) can inspire his side to a more impressive display as they seek a tenth away game without defeat in all competitions (W4, D5).
Key battle: Chris Martin’s debut goal for QPR against Millwall at the weekend means six of his last eight home strikes have come after half-time. He may be up against Sunderland defender Danny Batth, whose two clean sheets in ten H2H meetings with the Hoops (W2, D3, L5) have both come away from home.
Hot streak: None of Sunderland’s last 27 away Championship fixtures have ended 0-0, a record dating back to December 2017.