Queens Park Rangers vs Coventry City Prediction, Match Preview, Saturday, 31 January

Queens Park Rangers face Coventry City in a Championship clash at Loftus Road on Saturday, 31 January. This encounter is set to be significant as both teams look to strengthen their positions in the league standings. Queens Park Rangers, playing at home, will be eager to take advantage of familiar surroundings against a Coventry City side that has shown resilience away from home.

The Championship is renowned for its competitive nature, and this fixture promises to be no different. Queens Park Rangers have been striving to climb the table, while Coventry City aim to maintain their form and push for a higher spot. With both teams having plenty at stake, fans can expect a closely contested battle at Loftus Road.

Queens Park Rangers vs Coventry City Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Coventry City to Win	2.1

Given the recent form and head-to-head statistics, our recommended betting tip for this match is Coventry City to win. The Sky Blues have been consistent, winning four of their last five matches, and they previously defeated Queens Park Rangers in a dominant 7-1 display earlier this season.

• Coventry City have a strong recent head-to-head record against Queens Park Rangers, including a 7-1 victory earlier this season.
• Queens Park Rangers’ poor form, with only one win in their last five matches, and defensive vulnerabilities make them susceptible.
• Coventry City’s consistent scoring, having netted in 83% of their matches this season, boosts their chances of securing a win.

Queens Park Rangers’ defensive frailties and injury issues provide an additional edge to Coventry City, who are in excellent attacking form.

Betting Odds

Queens Park Rangers are set to host Coventry City at Loftus Road, and the betting odds suggest a closely contested Championship fixture. Coventry City are slight favourites with odds of 2.11, reflecting their stronger form coming into this match.

Betting Tip	Odds
Queens Park Rangers to win	3.25
Draw	3.42
Coventry City to win	2.11

For those looking to place a bet, the draw at 3.42 offers an intriguing option, especially considering Queens Park Rangers’ ability to hold their ground at home. Additionally, punters might find value in the over 2.5 goals market, given both teams’ attacking tendencies.

Queens Park Rangers Analysis & Past Performance

Queens Park Rangers have endured a turbulent stretch in their recent form, with only one victory in their last five Championship outings. This win came against Sheffield Wednesday with a convincing 3-0 scoreline, highlighting their potential when performing at their best. However, they suffered two defeats and two draws, including a narrow 2-3 loss at home to Wrexham, indicating inconsistency in their performances.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Queens Park Rangers	Wrexham	2 – 3 (Loss)	Championship	Jan 24, 2026
Oxford	Queens Park Rangers	0 – 0 (Draw)	Championship	Jan 20, 2026
Stoke	Queens Park Rangers	0 – 0 (Draw)	Championship	Jan 17, 2026
West Ham	Queens Park Rangers	1 – 1 (Extra time: 1 – 0) (Loss)	FA Cup	Jan 11, 2026
Queens Park Rangers	Sheffield Wednesday	3 – 0 (Win)	Championship	Jan 4, 2026

Recent Form:
The team’s attacking output has been moderate, averaging 1.20 goals per game over their last five matches, while defensively, they’ve conceded an average of 1.00 goal per match. Encouragingly, they’ve kept clean sheets in 60% of these games, showcasing moments of defensive solidity. At home, Queens Park Rangers have been stronger, with a win ratio of 60%, winning three out of their last five matches at Loftus Road.

Performance Analysis:
Rumarn Burrell has been a key figure in Queens Park Rangers’ attacking play, leading their scoring charts with 10 goals this season. Despite this, the team’s overall goal-scoring average of 1.38 in the Championship suggests a need for more consistent contributions from the squad.

Team Statistics:

• LDDLW

Queens Park Rangers currently sit 12th in the league standings with 40 points. Their performance statistics reveal a balanced approach, but to climb higher in the table, they will need to address their defensive lapses and enhance their attacking efficiency.

Queens Park Rangers Suspensions & Injuries

Queens Park Rangers face significant challenges due to a series of injuries and a suspension that could impact their tactical setup against Coventry City. The absence of Ziyad Larkeche due to a cruciate ligament injury is a long-term concern, but the more immediate issues are the potential returns of Ilias Chair, Jake Clarke-Salter, Rumarn Burrell, and Koki Saito in early February. Their fitness could be crucial for Queens Park Rangers’ attacking and defensive balance. The suspension of Amadou Mbengue adds to the defensive woes, necessitating a reshuffle in the backline and possibly a shift in formation.

Player	Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Amadou Mbengue	Yellow/red card	1	Unknown

The injury list is extensive, with key players like Jonathan Varane and Esquerdinha sidelined, affecting both depth and strategic options. With Kwame Poku also out until mid-February, the team may rely on less experienced players or tactical versatility to fill these gaps. The return of some players in early February might offer slight relief, but the immediate match against Coventry City will test the squad’s resilience.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Ziyad Larkeche	Cruciate ligament injury	Late April 2026
Ilias Chair	Muscle injury	Early February 2026
Jake Clarke-Salter	Ankle injury	Early February 2026
Jonathan Varane	Knee injury	Late February 2026
Rumarn Burrell	Hamstring injury	Early February 2026
Koki Saito	Muscle injury	Early February 2026
Kwame Poku	Hamstring injury	Mid February 2026
Esquerdinha	Knee injury	Mid March 2026

Tactically, Martí Cifuentes may need to adjust his lineup, possibly incorporating younger or fringe players to cover the absences. The lack of full-strength options could influence the betting markets, as the team’s depth and adaptability will be under scrutiny. Consequently, Queens Park Rangers might adopt a more cautious approach, focusing on defensive solidity to mitigate the impact of their unavailable players.

Queens Park Rangers Key Players

Queens Park Rangers will be relying on the creative flair of Paul Smyth in midfield to orchestrate their attack. Smyth’s ability to dribble past defenders and deliver precise crosses makes him a vital component of Queens Park Rangers’ offensive strategy. Despite the absence of their top scorer Rumarn Burrell due to injury, the attacking burden falls on Richard Kone and Harvey Vale. Kone’s pace and Vale’s intelligent positioning will be crucial in breaking down Coventry City’s defence. In defence, the experienced Steve Cook anchors the backline, providing leadership and stability, which will be essential to thwart Coventry City’s attacking threats.

Karamoko Dembélé’s agility and Nicolas Madsen’s vision in midfield are set to play pivotal roles in dictating the tempo of the game. Dembélé’s quick footwork can unlock defences, while Madsen’s passing range ensures that Queens Park Rangers can transition smoothly from defence to attack. With a solid defensive structure and a dynamic midfield, Queens Park Rangers aim to control the match and exploit Coventry City’s weaknesses.

Expected lineup for Queens Park Rangers:

• Goalkeeper: Joe Walsh
• Defence: Kealey Adamson, Jimmy Dunne, Steve Cook, Rhys Norrington-Davies
• Midfield: Karamoko Dembélé, Nicolas Madsen, Kieran Morgan, Paul Smyth
• Forward: Richard Kone, Harvey Vale

Queens Park Rangers Tactics and Formation

Queens Park Rangers Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Likely 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Richard Kone
• Midfield Creativity: Kieran Morgan and Karamoko Dembélé
• Defensive Setup: Struggled with only one clean sheet in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on possession with a focus on wing play.

Queens Park Rangers are expected to adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation, facilitating a balanced approach between attack and defence. Richard Kone leads the line as the primary forward, with his pace and finishing skills posing a significant threat to Coventry City’s defence.

In midfield, the creative duo of Kieran Morgan and Karamoko Dembélé is vital for transitioning play from defence to attack. Their ability to control possession and distribute effectively will be crucial in breaking down Coventry City’s defensive structure.

Defensively, Queens Park Rangers have struggled, managing only one clean sheet in their last five matches. The backline of Amadou Mbengue, Jimmy Dunne, Steve Cook, and Rhys Norrington-Davies needs to tighten up to prevent conceding goals, particularly from set-pieces.

Offensively, Queens Park Rangers emphasise maintaining possession and exploiting the flanks through wingers like Paul Smyth. Their strategy often involves stretching the opposition’s defence and creating space for central attackers.

Coventry City Analysis & Past Performance

Coventry City’s recent form has been mixed, with their last five matches in the Championship resulting in two wins against Millwall (2-1) and Leicester City (2-1), alongside three defeats, including a narrow 2-1 loss to Norwich City. This inconsistency is reflected in their away form, where they have failed to secure a victory in their last five outings, drawing two and losing three.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Norwich City	Coventry City	2 – 1 (Loss)	Championship	26 Jan 2026
Coventry City	Millwall	2 – 1 (Win)	Championship	20 Jan 2026
Coventry City	Leicester City	2 – 1 (Win)	Championship	17 Jan 2026
Stoke City	Coventry City	1 – 0 (Loss)	FA Cup	10 Jan 2026
Birmingham City	Coventry City	3 – 2 (Loss)	Championship	4 Jan 2026

Recent Form:

• LWWLL

Coventry City’s attack has managed to maintain a scoring average of 1.40 goals per game over their last five matches, with Haji Wright leading the charge as their top scorer with 10 goals. However, defensive frailties have been apparent, as they have conceded an average of 1.60 goals per match and failed to keep a clean sheet during this period. Their current win ratio stands at 40%, highlighting the need for improved defensive coherence to complement their attacking efforts.

Coventry City Suspensions & Injuries

The absence of Oliver Dovin due to a cruciate ligament injury and Kaine Kesler-Hayden with an ankle injury, both expected to return in early February, poses a significant challenge for Coventry City. Their unavailability leaves Mark Robins with limited options, especially considering their potential contributions to the defensive and midfield dynamics of the team. Jack Rudoni’s hip injury, sidelining him until late February, further exacerbates the situation, potentially impacting Coventry City’s midfield creativity.

With these key players unavailable, Coventry City may need to rely on less experienced squad members or adjust their formation to compensate for the missing depth. The tactical impact could be substantial, affecting both the defensive solidity and attacking transitions. Robins might opt for a more conservative approach to mitigate the absence of these players.

The injuries could influence the betting markets, as Coventry City’s overall strength might be perceived as weakened, potentially affecting their odds against Queens Park Rangers. Bettors might consider these absences when evaluating Coventry City’s chances in the match.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Oliver Dovin	Cruciate ligament injury	Early February 2026
Kaine Kesler-Hayden	Ankle injury	Early February 2026
Jack Rudoni	Hip injury	Late February 2026

Coventry City Key Players

Coventry City’s offensive prowess is spearheaded by Haji Wright, who is their top scorer with 10 goals this season. Wright’s agility and clinical finishing make him a constant threat in the box, and he will be crucial in breaking down Queens Park Rangers’ defence. His ability to find space and capitalise on scoring opportunities will be vital for Coventry City’s attacking strategy.

In midfield, Matt Grimes plays a pivotal role as the playmaker, orchestrating Coventry City’s attacking moves. His vision and passing accuracy are essential in linking the defence to the attack, especially in transition phases. Victor Torp complements him with his energy and ball-winning abilities, ensuring Coventry City maintain control in the central areas. Defensively, Milan van Ewijk and Bobby Thomas are key figures, providing solidity and resilience at the back.

Expected lineup for Coventry City

• Goalkeeper: Carl Rushworth
• Defenders: Milan van Ewijk, Bobby Thomas, Liam Kitching, Jay Dasilva
• Midfielders: Matt Grimes, Victor Torp, Ephron Mason-Clark
• Forwards: Brandon Thomas-Asante, Romain Esse, Haji Wright

Coventry City Tactics and Formation

Coventry City Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Haji Wright
• Midfield Pivot: Matt Grimes and Victor Torp
• Defensive Vulnerability: No clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: High pressing with focus on wide play

Coventry City typically set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation under the guidance of Mark Robins. This structure allows them to maintain midfield control while providing attacking flexibility. Matt Grimes and Victor Torp form the midfield pivot, tasked with breaking up opposition play and initiating attacks.

Haji Wright leads the line as the central striker, supported by Romain Esse, Brandon Thomas-Asante, and Ephron Mason-Clark, who provide width and creativity. Coventry City’s offensive strategy often involves high pressing and exploiting the flanks, aiming to create opportunities for Wright, their top scorer with ten goals.

Defensively, Coventry City have struggled, failing to keep a clean sheet in their last five matches. The back four, including Milan van Ewijk and Jay Dasilva as full-backs with Bobby Thomas and Liam Kitching centrally, have been susceptible to conceding, averaging 1.6 goals against per game recently. This suggests room for improvement in defensive organisation and resilience.

Queens Park Rangers vs Coventry City H2H Record

In their head-to-head record, Coventry City have the upper hand with 12 wins compared to Queens Park Rangers’ 9, alongside 4 draws. The last time these two met, Coventry City thrashed Queens Park Rangers 7-1 in a Championship fixture, showcasing their dominance.

When Queens Park Rangers hosted Coventry City at Loftus Road in October 2024, the match ended in a 1-1 draw, indicating that Queens Park Rangers can hold their own at home despite Coventry City’s overall advantage. Historically, the Championship has been the stage for these encounters, with both teams familiar with each other’s tactics.

Home Side	Away Side	Score	League	Date
Coventry City	Queens Park Rangers	7 – 1	Championship	2025-08-23
Coventry City	Queens Park Rangers	1 – 0	Championship	2025-02-11
Queens Park Rangers	Coventry City	1 – 1	Championship	2024-10-22
Coventry City	Queens Park Rangers	1 – 2	Championship	2024-05-04
Queens Park Rangers	Coventry City	1 – 3	Championship	2023-09-30