QPR rarely concede, while Preston are without a manager: prediction for QPR vs Preston
The eighth-round Championship clash between QPR and Preston will take place on September 19 at Loftus Road. The hosts have picked up 12 points and remain in the upper half of the table, while the visitors are hovering near the bottom after a run of disappointing results.
QPR: solid defense despite attacking struggles
Julien Stéphan's side have not won in their last three league matches, but they remain one of the most reliable teams in the Championship. QPR have conceded just five goals in seven games and have not allowed an opponent to score more than once in any match.
At the same time, the hosts have looked rather modest in attack lately, finding the net just once in their previous three league outings. In their last match, QPR drew 1-1 with West Bromwich Albion.
Preston: six defeats and a change of manager
Following a 1-0 home defeat to Lincoln, Preston parted ways with Paul Heckingbottom. The team have lost six of their opening seven Championship matches and remain rooted near the bottom of the table.
The visitors' attacking numbers are hardly impressive either, with just six goals scored in the league. However, Preston have conceded relatively few goals in their last three matches, so a new-manager bounce could make the team slightly more organized.
Match facts and head-to-head meetings
- QPR have conceded just five goals in seven Championship matches.
- Preston have suffered six defeats in their opening seven rounds.
- The visitors have scored just six goals and have one of the league's worst attacking records.
The hosts can capitalize on their opponents' crisis: prediction for QPR vs Preston
QPR are not particularly convincing going forward at the moment, but their defense looks far more reliable than their opponents' overall play. Against the backdrop of a managerial change, it will be difficult for Preston to quickly solve their structural problems.
The hosts have had a full week to prepare and should enjoy more possession and create more chances. If QPR can improve their finishing, the difference in quality could become clear.
