Sunderland vs QPR Prediction: Black Cats to make a big statement

Sunderland are on an awful run at the moment, but it doesn’t really matter with fourth place secured about three months ago. They know they will be playing on Friday night in the first leg of their play-off semi-final against the team that finishes fifth, which will be Bristol City should the Robins beat Preston on the final day. 

Meanwhile, opponents QPR (12:30, Sky Sports+) have nothing to play for or worry about, although manager Marti Cifuentes has been placed on gardening leave as he eyes up a summer exit. Below you can find my Sunderland vs QPR predictions. 

Football Odds

Team News

Regis Le Bris has tried to manage his squad into the play-offs, but surely now is the time for him to unleash his strongest XI and give them some minutes. The losing run has to end, although the manager did name a very strong team away at Oxford, only to see his side lose 2-0. 

Jobe Bellingham, Dan Neil, Chris Rigg and Enzo Le Fee were deployed in midfield, with Patrick Roberts on the right and Wilson Isidor up top. Dennis Cirkin and Tom Watson came off the bench and are potential options to feature here while there is some other positive news.

Trio Eliezer Mayenda, Romaine Mundle, and Dan Ballard have all been pictured in action in Portugal as the Black Cats jetted off for some warm-weather training. It’s three degrees warmer in Sunderland than it is Lisbon as I write this, but there we go - it’s a chance to refocus. 

For QPR, I honestly have no clue what XI Kevin Betsy and Xavi Calm will pick on Saturday. They lost 5-0 to Burnley last time out so I’d expect a decent number of changes with Michael Frey, Ilias Chair, Morgan Fox and Lucas Andersen all potential alternative options.

Rayan Kolli is a promising youngster, while Jack Colback and Jonathan Varane will be fortunate to keep their places after poor showings against the Clarets. It’s a case of wait and see for QPR! 

Sunderland vs QPR Odds

Sunderland are the clear favourites to win this game despite their poor form, with the Black Cats priced at 8/13 to take all three points. QPR can be backed at 5/1, while a draw is 3/1 if you fancy the spoils to be shared at full-time. 

BTTS can be backed at 1/1 while over 2.5 goals is 10/11 and Isidor is the favourite to open the scoring at 4/1 for the hosts.  

Sunderland to win with -1 handicap @ 7/4

Sunderland have lost four in a row and they will want to enter the play-offs with confidence, so I think we are going to see an impressive display that gets them back to winning ways in style. I think the break to Portugal was a good idea, even though the weather wasn't on their side, while I also believe they will be in a fine position to make it to the Premier League, despite their recent form. 

It’s likely they will face Bristol City over two legs and I’d back them to win home and away if that is the case, and then just Wembley stands between them and the promised land. That’s for the future though - on Saturday they should be able to dismantle a QPR side that is out of whack and out of form right now. 

With no Cifuentes, I’m concerned for them next season, and I think their players might show a lack of confidence and belief at the Stadium of Light. They want the end of the season and their holidays more than anything else, so let’s back them to get a beating. 

Sunderland 5-0 QPR @ 50/1

This is an absolutely massive price given the state of the two teams. I think we will see a more aggressive and positive Sunderland outfit that will come out with a point to prove. The players will be fighting for a starting spot on Friday night and I just cannot see QPR putting up any resistance. 

The R’s lost 5-0 last week, so let’s back the same scoreline to come in against another top team. Sunderland will fancy their chances in the play-offs if they can record a major thumping against QPR this Saturday. 

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