EFL Championship: Game Week 43
Stadium: Loftus Road
19th April 2023
Queens Park Rangers is set to host Norwich City on Wednesday at Loftus Road. Who will come out on top after 90 minutes?
Queens Park Rangers form
Gareth Ainsworth's return to QPR was supposed to be a fairytale, but it has turned into a nightmare as the team is now on the verge of being relegated to the third tier. Although spirits were high after a 2-2 draw against West Bromwich Albion on Easter Monday, their recent 3-0 defeat to Coventry City at home has put them in freefall. Ainsworth has only accumulated four points from nine matches in charge, with 21 goals conceded, and it's clear that a significant improvement is needed to avoid relegation. Home advantage is no longer an advantage for QPR, with six defeats at Loftus Road since February. The upcoming match is a must-not-lose for QPR, as well as their opponents. They will also face a difficult trip to Burnley.
Queens Park Rangers Predicted lineup
Dieng; Dunne, Dickie, Balogun, Paal; Dozzell, Johansen, Field; Willock, Dykes, Chair
Norwich City Form
Despite winning just one of their last seven matches in the Championship, Norwich are still in contention for a top-six finish. However, they were convincingly beaten by Middlesbrough on Friday, conceding five goals in less than an hour at the Riverside Stadium. The defeat has dropped them to 10th in the standings, but they are only two points behind sixth-placed Blackburn Rovers, who have been struggling recently. Despite the heavy loss to Middlesbrough, it was the first time Norwich had lost away from home since February 11, ending a run of five matches unbeaten on the road.
Norwich City possible lineup
Gunn; Aarons, Omobamidele, Sorensen, Giannoulis; Sara, Nunez; Idah, Sargent, Hernandez; Pukki
Queens Park Rangers vs Norwich City Expert Tips
QPR's form has been dire, having lost five of their last six league games and won only one league match in 2023. Their poor performances extend to their home ground as well, where they have lost their last three matches, indicating that they could find it challenging in this upcoming fixture. On the other hand, Norwich has also had a tough time accumulating points, having won only one of their last seven games. However, given the difference in class and quality between the two teams, it is expected that the visitors will secure a victory in this encounter. Expect under 2.5 goals in the game as the two teams are underperforming in front of the goal.