Sunderland vs. Queens Park Rangers Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 3 May 2025

As the Championship season reaches its climax, Sunderland host Queens Park Rangers at the Stadium of Light on 3 May 2025. With Sunderland sitting fourth in the league, they’ve already secured a spot in the promotion play-offs but will be eager to finish the regular season on a high.

Queens Park Rangers, 15th on the table, are looking to end their season on a positive note despite a turbulent campaign. Sunderland’s star midfielder, Jobe Bellingham, recently named the Championship’s Talent of the Year, will be crucial in driving his team forward. However, Sunderland’s recent form is concerning, having lost their last four matches, suggesting a tight and potentially low-scoring affair.

On the other hand, QPR have displayed inconsistent form but managed significant victories against Preston and Oxford. Considering both teams’ current trajectories and Sunderland’s tendency for underwhelming offensive displays, a low-scoring draw might be on the cards.

Recommended bet: Under 2.5 goals.

Sunderland vs Queens Park Rangers Prediction & Betting tip

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Why this prediction is good:

• Both Sunderland and QPR are currently struggling with form, particularly Sunderland, who have lost their last four matches.
• Sunderland’s recent games have been low-scoring, with only 0.20 goals on average in their last five games.
• On the other side, QPR’s attacking output has been inconsistent, despite some recent wins.
  Considering the current trajectory and defensive performances, a low-scoring game is likely.

Sunderland vs Queens Park Rangers Odds

Sunderland are the bookmaker favourites for this match, with the odds heavily tilted in their favour due to their higher league position and home advantage. However, their recent form suggests caution. A draw or a win for QPR offers higher returns, reflecting their underdog status in this contest. These odds highlight the unpredictability of Championship football, especially when both teams are struggling to find consistency.

Sunderland Team Analysis

Sunderland Recent Performance

Sunderland’s recent form has been disappointing, marked by a string of defeats and only one draw in their last five matches. Their recent performance can be summarized as LLLLD. Despite their struggling form, they have managed to keep one clean sheet in these games. That said, their attacking output has been minimal, with the team averaging just 0.20 goals per game in their last five fixtures.

In their last match, Sunderland lost 2-0 to Oxford, continuing a frustrating spell in front of goal. The team will be eager for a turnaround as they prepare for the playoffs, but the dip in form is worrying as they head into this final Championship game.

Sunderland Key Players

Sunderland have a number of key players who could make a significant impact in their final Championship game against Queens Park Rangers. Wilson Isidor, the team’s top scorer with 12 goals this season, will be leading the attack. His ability to find the back of the net will be crucial, especially given Sunderland’s recent struggles in front of goal. In the midfield, Jobe Bellingham has been a standout performer and was recently named the Championship’s Talent of the Year. Bellingham has become pivotal for Sunderland, not just for his creativity but also for his playmaking abilities.

Expected lineup for Sunderland:

• Goalkeeper: Anthony Patterson
• Defenders: Trai Hume, Chris Mepham, Luke O’Nien, Leo Fuhr Hjelde
• Midfielders: Dan Neil, Jobe Bellingham, Patrick Roberts, Chris Rigg, Enzo Le Fee
• Forward: Wilson Isidor

Sunderland will rely heavily on Isidor’s goal-scoring prowess and Bellingham’s midfield dynamism to secure a positive result. These key players must step up to break their recent poor form and build momentum ahead of the playoffs.

Sunderland Suspensions & Injuries

Sunderland are grappling with a significant list of injuries heading into their final Championship game against Queens Park Rangers. This could impact their performance and squad depth.

These injuries will force Sunderland to rely heavily on their remaining fit players, including key figures like Jobe Bellingham and Wilson Isidor. The injury list may also pose challenges for Coach Régis Le Bris in terms of tactical adjustments and squad rotation.

Sunderland Tactics and Formation

Sunderland Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Wilson Isidor
• Midfield Trio: Dan Neil, Jobe Bellingham, and Enzo Le Fee
• Defensive Strength: Despite struggles, still strong defensively with 0.9 goals conceded on average per match.
• Notable Strategy: Often look to control the game through a packed midfield and quick transitions.

Coach Régis Le Bris has Sunderland set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, which involves a combination of solid defensive positioning and attacking flexibility.
The team relies heavily on the creative and defensive duo of Jobe Bellingham and Dan Neil in the midfield.
Up front, top scorer Wilson Isidor provides the finishing touch.
The wingers, Patrick Roberts and Enzo Le Fee, are crucial for stretching the opposition and creating scoring opportunities.

Queens Park Rangers Team Analysis

Queens Park Rangers Recent Performance

Queens Park Rangers have had a mixed bag of results in their last five matches, capturing a bit of all outcomes. Here’s a closer look:

Queens Park Rangers have endured a couple of tough matches, losing their last two games including a heavy 0-5 defeat against Burnley.
Despite these setbacks, they managed to win twice away, showing they can pull off wins even in difficult circumstances. Their attack has been reasonably solid, averaging 1.40 goals per game over the last five matches. However, defensive vulnerabilities are evident as they have conceded in all of these games, managing no clean sheets. Consistency remains an issue for coach Xavier Calm’s side heading into the final round of the Championship.

Queens Park Rangers Key Players

Expected lineup for Queens Park Rangers:

• Goalkeeper: Paul Nardi
• Defenders: Ronnie Edwards, Liam Morrison, Kenneth Paal, Jimmy Dunne
• Midfielders: Jonathan Varane, Jack Colback, Karamoko Dembele, Harrison Ashby
• Forwards: Nicolas Madsen, Rayan Kolli

Queens Park Rangers will heavily rely on their top scorer Michael Frey, who has netted 8 goals this season, to make an impact. In midfield, the presence of Jack Colback and the youthful energy of Karamoko Dembele could be crucial for ball progression and creativity.

Key battles to watch include Frey against Sunderland’s Chris Mepham and Luke O’Nien, as well as the dynamic Rayan Kolli trying to outwit Trai Hume on the wings. Their defensive unit, particularly Ronnie Edwards and Kenneth Paal, will need to step up to contain Sunderland’s attacking threats.

Queens Park Rangers Suspensions & Injuries

Queens Park Rangers are facing significant injury woes, which could heavily impact their performance. The absence of key players like Jake Clarke-Salter and Harvey Vale could weaken their defensive stability. Additionally, the midfield depth takes a hit with Sam Field and Koki Saito out.

The multiple injuries create a challenge for Coach Xavier Calm, requiring tactical adjustments and potentially relying on less experienced squad members to step up.

Queens Park Rangers Tactics and Formation

Queens Park Rangers Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Rayan Kolli
• Midfield Trio: Jonathan Varane, Jack Colback, Karamoko Dembele
• Defensive Weakness: Conceded 10 goals in the last five games.
• Notable Strategy: Vulnerable in the 46-60-minute interval; conceding most goals in this period.

QPR’s approach relies heavily on the playmaking abilities of Colback and Dembele in the midfield. Defensively, they need to address their vulnerability in the second half, particularly aiming to tighten up during the crucial 46-60-minute window to avoid conceding. Expect them to leverage Kolli’s speed and finishing skills up front to create goal-scoring opportunities.

Sunderland vs Queens Park Rangers Head-to-Head Statistics

In their recent encounters, Sunderland have had an edge over Queens Park Rangers, winning twice and drawing three times over their past five matches. Both teams have shown they can keep things tight defensively, evidenced by the two goalless draws last season. However, Sunderland’s two significant away wins in 2023 showcase their attacking prowess against QPR. Given their current form, it will be interesting to see if Sunderland can repeat their previous successes or if QPR can turn things around.

Odds accurate as of 1st May 2025 12:31, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.