Credit: Imago

Edward Bazeley

Thu 1 May 2025 22:52, UK

Sunderland host Queens Park Rangers at the Stadium of Light in the final game of the regular Championship season on Saturday.

The Mackems have already secured their playoff spot thanks to a largely successful season in the second tier.

However, the Stadium of Light outfit are in a poor run of form, having suffered four consecutive league defeats.

Regis Le Bris’ men suffered a 2-0 defeat at Oxford United last time out, a result which secured the Kassam Stadium side’s Championship status.

Sunderland favourites to beat QPR

A win over QPR this weekend would do Sunderland the world of good as they look to enter the playoffs with momentum behind them.

The Black Cats faithful, therefore, may be pleased to hear that Opta’s supercomputer has handed the Mackems a 52.5 per cent chance of beating the Loftus Road club.

That leaves QPR with just a 23.2 per cent chance of victory, while a draw has been backed at a 24.2 per cent probability.

QPR’s turbulent situation must play into Sunderland’s hands

Sunderland have failed to win since their 1-0 victory over then top-six rivals West Brom on 5 April, which will not instill confidence among the Mackems squad ahead of their playoff campaign.

But QPR’s turbulent situation will likely play into the Black Cats’ hands, as boss Marti Cifuentes has been placed on gardening leave courtesy of the speculation surrounding his future.

If Sunderland could hand-pick an opponent to face on Saturday, who could help them bolster their confidence ahead of the playoffs, a QPR side who are currently managerless and have claimed just two wins in their last 12 Championship outings would be high on that list.

But both sides have encountered a series of injury issues, and Le Bris’ men are well aware of the unpredictable nature of the second tier.

If Sunderland can produce their best football, though, they should have enough quality at their disposal to beat the West London outfit at the Stadium of Light.