Stoke City vs QPR Saturday 29th March 2025 3pm
Matchday 39 in the EFL Championship will see strugglers Stoke City host an out-of-form Queens Park Rangers at the bet365 Stadium.
The last time these two sides met was in the reverse fixture on 23rd November 2024, ending in a one-all draw at MADTRADE Loftus Road Stadium.
When these sides last faced each other in The Potteries, the home side would take the points in a narrow 1-0 win on 14th February 2024.
Team News and Predicted Line-Ups
Stoke have two fresh injuries to worry about after the international break, with on-loan striker Ali Al-Hamadi and attacking threat Bae JunHo not taking part in their nations’ games, although they had been called up.
Ryan Mmaee, who was recalled from his loan spell at SK Rapid Wien, has been on the path to a return soon featuring in the last few U21 matches.
Lynden Gooch, Ben Gibson, Josh Wilson-Esbrand (on loan from Manchester City), and Souleymane Sidibe will be on the sidelines for a while longer and are all expected to be back before the end of the season.
QPR have also got a lengthy injury list, but are hopeful of Jonathan Varane and Alfie Lloyd being back for tomorrow’s meeting between the sides.
Sam Field and Rayan Kolli are both expected to return next week, but Zan Celar, Ilias Chair and Jake Clarke-Salter are expected to be out for a while longer.
Additionally, club captain Steve Cook is expected to be out for even longer after being hit with injury a lot throughout a rugged season for the veteran.
Stoke City vs QPR Players to Watch
The Potters have got a few exciting talents in their young squad from Liverpool Loanee Lewis Koumas, pacey winger Million Manhoef, and midfield maestro Wouter Burger.
All three of these have been influential part in keeping their side above the relegation zone.
The key player to watch out for, however, is former Chelsea midfielder Lewis Baker, who used to be captain during ex-manager Michael O’Neill’s spell at the club.
Since returning from his loan spell at Blackburn Rovers, Baker has found himself consistently in the squad, and even picked up the Goal of the Month for February 2025 after catching Swansea goalkeeper Lawrence Virigoux off his line and scoring from his own half.
The R’s have men to look out for all over the pitch from Southampton Loanee Ronnie Edwards in the heart of the defence, to former wonderkid Karamoko Dembele in midfield, and Michael Frey putting in the goals.
Ultimately, when former players come up against the Staffordshire side, they like to perform exceptionally, meaning unusual choice Morgan Fox will be The Hoops’ man to watch out for.
The Welshman spent three seasons at his former side, being utilised as a wingback, full-back, and even a centre-back over his 78 appearances.
Stoke City vs QPR Prediction and Final Thoughts
It is going to be a tough-fought game with a loss, or even a draw, for the home side, more than likely dropping them into the relegation zone.
On the flip side, if the visitors can grab the three points, it could spark a final push for the last play-off place.
This game has a lot of meaning for both sides, and I can see a 2-1 for Stoke being the end result.
Both sides need a result, and with the situation Mark Robins’ side is in, a win is crucial to make sure survival is secured sooner rather than later.
Prediction: Stoke City 2 – 1 QPR
Stoke City vs QPR kicks off tomorrow at 3pm..