West Bromwich vs Queens Park Rangers Prediction, Match Preview, Monday, 29 December

West Bromwich Albion will face Queens Park Rangers in a Championship clash at The Hawthorns on Monday, 29 December. This fixture is significant as both teams are vying for crucial points in the league standings. West Bromwich Albion, playing at home, will look to capitalise on their familiar surroundings to secure a win against Queens Park Rangers.

Queens Park Rangers, meanwhile, will aim to upset the home side and improve their position in the Championship. The Hawthorns will be the venue for this intriguing encounter. As the season progresses, every point becomes vital, making this match an important fixture for both West Bromwich Albion and Queens Park Rangers.

West Bromwich Albion vs Queens Park Rangers Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
West Bromwich Albion Double Chance (Win or Draw)	1.5

Despite Queens Park Rangers having a slightly better league record this season, West Bromwich Albion have a strong history of results against them. With four wins and two draws in their last six head-to-head meetings, West Bromwich Albion have consistently avoided defeat against QPR. Considering this, our recommended betting tip is the Double Chance market: West Bromwich Albion Win or Draw.

• West Bromwich Albion have a psychological edge with an unbeaten record in their last six encounters against QPR.
• Queens Park Rangers have only won 3 of their last 14 away matches, indicating inconsistency.
• West Bromwich Albion showed resilience, securing a 1-0 win in their most recent clash at The Hawthorns against QPR.

Betting Odds

West Bromwich Albion are stepping onto their home turf as favourites with odds of 2.08, but Queens Park Rangers are not to be discounted, priced at 3.44. The draw is also a tempting option at 3.34, suggesting a closely fought Championship clash.

Betting Tip	Odds
West Bromwich Albion to win	2.08
Draw	3.34
Queens Park Rangers to win	3.44

For those looking to place a bet, consider the over 2.5 goals market, as both teams have shown a knack for finding the net in recent fixtures. With the stakes high, this match could be a thrilling encounter for punters.

West Bromwich Albion Analysis & Past Performance

West Bromwich Albion’s recent form has been concerning, with four losses in their last five matches, underlining their struggles in the Championship. The team managed a single win, a 2-0 victory against Sheffield United, but otherwise suffered defeats against Bristol City, Hull City, Southampton, and Queens Park Rangers.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
West Bromwich Albion	Bristol City	1 – 2 (Loss)	Championship	26 Dec 2025
Hull City	West Bromwich Albion	1 – 0 (Loss)	Championship	20 Dec 2025
West Bromwich Albion	Sheffield United	2 – 0 (Win)	Championship	12 Dec 2025
Southampton	West Bromwich Albion	3 – 2 (Loss)	Championship	9 Dec 2025
Queens Park Rangers	West Bromwich Albion	3 – 1 (Loss)	Championship	6 Dec 2025

Recent Form:
Over these past five games, West Bromwich Albion have averaged 1.20 goals per match while conceding 1.80, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities. Their ability to score in four out of these five matches shows some attacking promise, but maintaining only one clean sheet during this period reflects issues with defensive solidity. At home, they have fared better, winning 60% of their last five fixtures at The Hawthorns, which could be a key factor against Queens Park Rangers.

Currently sitting 16th in the Championship with 28 points, their position reflects the challenges faced this season. Top scorer Aune Selland Heggebø, with 8 goals, has been a vital part of their attack, contributing to 31% of their total goals. The team’s overall win ratio stands at 20%, a clear area for improvement if they are to climb up the league standings.

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West Bromwich Albion Suspensions & Injuries

West Bromwich Albion face a challenging situation with several key players unavailable due to injuries and suspensions. The absence of Jed Wallace, out with a calf injury until mid-January, is a significant blow to their attacking options. His creativity and experience have been pivotal, and without him, the team may lack the flair needed to break down organised defences. Similarly, the injury to Krystian Bielik, sidelined until late January, removes a vital component in their defensive midfield, potentially weakening their ability to disrupt the opposition’s play.

Player	Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Alfie Gilchrist	Red card	2	Unknown

The suspension of Alfie Gilchrist, serving a three-match ban with two games remaining, further complicates West Bromwich Albion’s defensive arrangements. His absence forces Ryan Mason to consider alternative defensive partnerships, possibly promoting Nathaniel Phillips to a more central role alongside Chris Mepham to maintain stability at the back.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Alex Williams	Broken ankle	Mid January 2026
Jed Wallace	Calf injury	Mid January 2026
Toby Collyer	Muscle injury	Mid January 2026
Krystian Bielik	Ankle injury	Late January 2026
Tammer Bany	Muscle injury	Mid January 2026
Jayson Molumby	Leg injury	Late January 2026

With Alex Williams and Toby Collyer also unavailable, West Bromwich Albion’s depth is tested, particularly in midfield. Players like Callum Styles and Ousmane Diakité may need to step up and fill the creative void left by these injuries. The tactical adjustments required to cope with these absences might see West Bromwich Albion adopting a more conservative approach, focusing on defensive solidity over expansive play, which could influence the betting markets, perhaps favouring fewer goals in this match.

West Bromwich Albion Key Players

Aune Selland Heggebø stands out as West Bromwich Albion’s top scorer with 8 goals, underlining his importance in the attacking third. His consistent ability to find the back of the net makes him pivotal in breaking down opposition defences. Heggebø’s presence in the forward line, alongside Karlan Grant and Mikey Johnston, is expected to be a significant threat to Queens Park Rangers’ backline. His knack for positioning and clinical finishing could be crucial in this fixture.

In midfield, Ousmane Diakité and Callum Styles are expected to play key roles. Diakité’s defensive capabilities and Styles’ creative prowess provide a balanced midfield dynamic, essential for both protecting the defence and supporting the attack. At the back, Chris Mepham and Nathaniel Phillips form a robust central defensive partnership, vital for maintaining defensive solidity against QPR’s offensive threats.

For West Bromwich Albion, the tactical impact of these key players will be crucial. The attacking trio’s movement and interplay could open up spaces, while the midfield’s ability to control the tempo of the game will be vital in dictating play. The defensive unit’s organisation will be tested, but their strengths in aerial duels and tackling could prove decisive.

Expected lineup for West Bromwich Albion:

• Goalkeeper: Joe Wildsmith
• Defence: George Campbell, Chris Mepham, Nathaniel Phillips, Charlie Taylor
• Midfield: Ousmane Diakité, Callum Styles, Isaac Price
• Forward: Karlan Grant, Mikey Johnston, Aune Selland Heggebø

West Bromwich Albion Tactics and Formation

West Bromwich Albion Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-5-1
• Key Forward: Aune Selland Heggebø
• Midfield Pivot: Ousmane Diakité and Isaac Price
• Defensive Approach: Struggled to maintain clean sheets, with only one in the last five games.
• Notable Strategy: High possession play, focusing on control in the middle of the park.

West Bromwich Albion are expected to line up in a 4-5-1 formation, a setup that emphasises control in midfield with a single striker up front. Aune Selland Heggebø leads the line, supported by a five-man midfield that offers both defensive cover and attacking support. Ousmane Diakité and Isaac Price are pivotal in balancing defensive duties with driving the team forward.

Defensively, the backline features George Campbell, Nathaniel Phillips, Chris Mepham, and Charlie Taylor. However, the team have struggled to achieve clean sheets, managing only one in their last five outings. This highlights a potential vulnerability in their defensive setup that opponents could exploit.

Offensively, West Bromwich Albion leverage high possession rates, as seen in their recent matches, to dictate the pace of the game. Despite this, their recent form has been inconsistent, with only one win in their last five matches, indicating a need for improved efficiency in front of goal.

Queens Park Rangers Analysis & Past Performance

Queens Park Rangers have showcased commendable form, securing three wins, one draw, and a solitary loss in their last five outings. Noteworthy results include a convincing 4-1 triumph over Leicester City and a 3-1 victory against West Bromwich Albion, highlighting their attacking prowess.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Portsmouth	Queens Park Rangers	1 – 1 (Draw)	Championship	26 Dec 2025
Queens Park Rangers	Leicester City	4 – 1 (Win)	Championship	20 Dec 2025
Middlesbrough	Queens Park Rangers	3 – 1 (Loss)	Championship	13 Dec 2025
Queens Park Rangers	Birmingham City	2 – 1 (Win)	Championship	9 Dec 2025
Queens Park Rangers	West Bromwich Albion	3 – 1 (Win)	Championship	6 Dec 2025

Recent Form:

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QPR’s offensive unit has been effective, averaging 2.20 goals per match across recent games, while their defence concedes an average of 1.40 goals. Despite failing to secure any clean sheets, they’ve scored in every match, demonstrating their consistent offensive threat. Their away form, however, has been less impressive, with only one win in five matches, resulting in a win ratio of 20%. Currently sitting 9th in the league with 35 points, QPR’s tactical focus remains on bolstering their defensive solidity to complement their attacking capabilities, aiming to climb further up the standings.

Queens Park Rangers Suspensions & Injuries

Queens Park Rangers face a challenging fixture against West Bromwich Albion with several key players unavailable due to injuries and suspensions. Ilias Chair, a vital component of their midfield creativity, is sidelined with a muscle injury. His absence, expected until early January, could significantly impact QPR’s attacking threat. Similarly, defender Jake Clarke-Salter is out with a knock, and his defensive presence will be missed for about a week. These injuries necessitate tactical adjustments, potentially forcing manager Julien Stéphan to rely on less experienced squad members to fill these crucial roles.

Player	Ban	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Tylon Smith	National team	1	Unknown

The suspension of Tylon Smith due to national team duties further complicates QPR’s squad depth. With one match remaining on his suspension, the team will need to adjust defensively to counter West Bromwich Albion’s attacking prowess. The lack of Smith’s versatility might see changes in defensive assignments, possibly affecting QPR’s overall defensive solidity.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Ziyad Larkeche	Cruciate ligament injury	Late April 2026
Harvey Vale	Muscle strain	Doubtful
Rayan Kolli	Muscle strain	Early January 2026
Ilias Chair	Muscle strain	Early January 2026
Jake Clarke-Salter	Knock	About a week

Replacement options for the injured players are likely to include some of the younger talents or bench players stepping up. However, the quality and experience gap could be a concern, particularly against a competitive opponent like West Bromwich Albion. These unavailabilities might influence betting markets, potentially tilting odds in favour of the home team, given QPR’s compromised squad depth and the tactical reshuffling required.

Queens Park Rangers Key Players

Rumarn Burrell stands out as Queens Park Rangers’ top scorer this season, with an impressive tally of 9 goals. As a forward, Burrell’s keen eye for goal and ability to find space in the opposition’s defensive line make him a formidable threat. His partnership with Richard Koné in attack is pivotal, with Koné’s pace and dribbling skills offering an additional dimension to their offensive play.

In midfield, the dynamic presence of Karamoko Dembélé and Jonathan Varane will be crucial. Dembélé’s creativity and Varane’s ability to break up play and distribute effectively could dictate the tempo of the game. The defensive solidity provided by Amadou Mbengue and Jimmy Dunne at the back will be essential in maintaining structure and resilience against West Bromwich Albion’s attacking threats.

Expected lineup for Queens Park Rangers

• Goalkeeper: Ben Hamer
• Defenders: Amadou Mbengue, Jimmy Dunne, Steve Cook, Rhys Norrington-Davies
• Midfielders: Karamoko Dembélé, Nicolas Madsen, Jonathan Varane, Koki Saito
• Forwards: Rumarn Burrell, Richard Koné

The tactical approach of Queens Park Rangers heavily relies on the interplay between these key players. Burrell’s scoring proficiency, combined with the creative sparks from the midfield and a solid defensive backbone, could very well shape the team’s strategy to counter West Bromwich Albion effectively. The collective strengths of these players offer a balanced mix of attack and defence, crucial for gaining a competitive edge in this fixture.

Queens Park Rangers Tactics and Formation

Queens Park Rangers Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-4-2
• Key Forward: Rumarn Burrell
• Midfield Engine: Nicolas Madsen and Jonathan Varane
• Defensive Concern: No clean sheets in recent matches
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on attacking width and exploiting counterattacks.

Queens Park Rangers typically line up in a 4-4-2 formation, which emphasises balance between attack and defence. Rumarn Burrell, their top scorer with 9 goals, is pivotal in leading the forward line alongside Richard Koné. The midfield, anchored by Nicolas Madsen and Jonathan Varane, offers both defensive cover and creative outlets.

Defensively, the back four comprising Amadou Mbengue, Jimmy Dunne, Steve Cook, and Rhys Norrington-Davies have struggled to keep clean sheets, conceding in all of their last five outings. This suggests a need for improved defensive coordination and perhaps tactical adjustments by coach Julien Stéphan.

Offensively, QPR rely on their ability to stretch play using wide midfielders like Karamoko Dembélé and Koki Saito. They are adept at exploiting counterattacks, a strategy that could prove effective against West Bromwich Albion’s defensive setup at The Hawthorns.

West Bromwich Albion vs Queens Park Rangers H2H Record

West Bromwich Albion and Queens Park Rangers have faced off 30 times, with West Bromwich Albion holding the edge with 15 wins compared to QPR’s 7, and 8 matches ending in draws. The last encounter saw QPR triumph 3-1 at home earlier this month in the Championship, showing they can be a threat.

When these two last met at The Hawthorns, West Bromwich Albion secured a 1-0 victory back in March 2025. This venue has been something of a fortress for West Bromwich Albion in this fixture, as they have consistently managed to keep QPR at bay.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Queens Park Rangers	West Bromwich Albion	3 – 1	Championship	2025-12-06
West Bromwich Albion	Queens Park Rangers	1 – 0	Championship	2025-03-08
Queens Park Rangers	West Bromwich Albion	1 – 3	Championship	2024-08-10
Queens Park Rangers	West Bromwich Albion	2 – 2	Championship	2024-03-06
West Bromwich Albion	Queens Park Rangers	2 – 0	Championship	2023-10-24