QPR host West Brom this weekend as two mid-table teams look to push themselves towards the play-off places.
QPR appointed Julien Stephan as their new head coach in the summer, replacing Marti Cifuentes. He arrived with the task of leading the Hoops to the championship table.
There have been exciting performances and encouraging spells so far, but inconsistency has left the R’s stuck in mid-table. The play-off race remains wide open, however, and with smart moves in January, Stephan’s side could yet emerge as outside contenders.
The Hoops saw a two-match winning streak end abruptly last time out. QPR were beaten 3-1 by Norwich City, giving Phillipe Clement his first win as Canaries boss.
West Brom named Ryan Mason head coach in the summer, replacing Tony Mowbray. He arrived with the task of stabilizing WBA and leading them back to the promotion picture.
For the fans, however, the season has been frustrating so far. Inconsistency has left the Baggies mid-table and four points off the play-offs, with many feeling the side are underperforming.
WBA will be hoping to continue after an excellent comeback win against Swansea City last time out. West Brom trailed 2-0 to the Hawthorns after eleven minutes before Jayson Molomby and an Aune Heggebo double turned things around to secure the three points.
Aune Heggebo’s West Brom record (all competitions)
Here, a handful of our writers make their predictions for the game…
Charlie Hodgson
“This is a very difficult game to play with two teams who have had a very inconsistent start to the year. Home team QPR had a very exciting summer but haven’t quite found the mix they needed to win promotion.
“West Brom, on the other hand, will be very disappointed with their position at this stage. That win against Swansea City could be huge for them, providing some much-needed confidence to get their campaign going.”
“That said, I think this will end in a draw. The two sides have had virtually identical seasons and I can’t see enough difference between the two to find a winner.”
Prediction: QPR 2-2 West Brom
James Ray
“Matching records see both QPR and West Brom sitting mid-table in the Championship table. A strong festive period and a productive January could see either side find themselves in the play-off conversations in the new year.”
“But for now, they both have weaknesses, and when they’re on a roll, they both have the offensive firepower to punish their opponent.
“The hosts will be keen to build some momentum on home ground after ending a four-match winless run at Loftus Road last time out, but WBA also need to gather steam after a crucial comeback against Swansea City.
“It makes this a difficult match to call. I remain on the fence and say it ends evenly at 1-1.”
Prediction: QPR 1-1 West Brom
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