QPR vs West Brom Prediction: QPR survived relegation for second time

QPR will welcome West Brom at Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium in Game Week 1 of the English Championship. QPR survived relegation for the second time in a row. Who will come out on top after 90 minutes?

Assuming control of QPR in October 2023 after Gareth Ainsworth's departure, Marti Cifuentes led the team through an impressive turnaround during the latter part of the 2023-24 season, ultimately avoiding relegation to League One. The team only suffered 11 losses out of 33 matches under Cifuentes' leadership, finishing ahead of 21st-placed Birmingham City by six points. A streak of three wins at the end of the season secured their safety.

Following two seasons of narrowly escaping relegation, QPR now aims to contend at the top of the Championship, looking to replicate their success from 2014 when they were promoted to the Premier League. Ilias Chair, who topped the charts in goals and assists for QPR last season, will play a crucial role in their ambitions this year with his ability to navigate through opposing defenses.

Despite ending their pre-season with three consecutive losses, QPR faced strong opponents such as Brighton & Hove Albion and Tottenham Hotspur under Cifuentes's guidance, preparing them for their upcoming match this weekend.

Nardi; Dunne, Cook, Clarke-Salter, Paal; Colback, Field, Smyth, Anderson, Kolli; Celar

During a Championship campaign where Leicester City, Ipswich Town, Leeds United, and Southampton dominated, West Brom stood out as the best of the rest last season by finishing in fifth place. However, the Baggies were unable to achieve their dream of reaching the Premier League as they fell short in the playoffs. Despite a goalless draw at home in the playoff semi-final against Russell Martin's Southampton, West Brom faltered in the deciding away leg at St Mary's Stadium, with Will Smallbone and Adam Armstrong scoring to secure victory for the hosts.

Even after the club was taken over by American businessman Shilen Patel, West Brom still faces financial challenges and is working closely with the EFL to ensure compliance with Profit and Sustainability regulations for the upcoming 2024-25 season. Consequently, the club has taken a cautious approach in the summer transfer window, parting ways with key players such as Brandon Thomas-Asante and Okay Yokuslu to raise funds.

West Brom recently played their first pre-season match in front of fans against League One side Birmingham City, who emerged victorious with a 4-1 win thanks to goals from Alfie May, Christoph Klarer, and Willum Willumsson.

Palmer; Furlong, Bartley, Ajayi, Heggem; Molumby, Mowatt, Fellows, Swift, Grant; Maja

In what is expected to be a sold-out match at Loftus Road, Cifuentes and the QPR team will aim to start the season with a strong win on Saturday. With West Brom coming off a 4-1 defeat at Birmingham, there are concerns about their away performances, and it is predicted that they may face a narrow loss in this upcoming match.