QPR vs Norwich prediction, H2H and probable lineups - January 1, 2026
One of the headline fixtures of the 25th round of the 2025/26 Championship season will take place on Thursday at Loftus Road Stadium, where QPR host Norwich City. Here’s our betting preview for this clash.
Match preview
QPR come into this contest sitting in the upper half of the table, still firmly in the race for a Championship playoff spot and a shot at Premier League promotion. The team currently occupies 9th place, trailing the playoff zone by just three points. Their position could have been even stronger, but the French manager Julien Stéphan’s squad dropped points in their last two away games: first drawing 1-1 with relegation-threatened Portsmouth, then losing 1-2 to West Bromwich Albion. However, QPR have been a force at home—winning four consecutive matches at Loftus Road.
Special mention must go to striker Rumarna Burrell, who has emerged as one of the revelations of the Championship this season. In the summer of 2025, QPR signed the Jamaican forward from Scottish club Falkirk—a move that’s paid off handsomely, with Burrell already netting nine goals and providing three assists. Much will depend on his performance in the upcoming fixture.
Norwich, meanwhile, find themselves near the foot of the table—only Sheffield Wednesday, who suffered an 18-point deduction, sit below them. The Canaries’ main struggles came early in the campaign, prompting a managerial change: Belgian coach Philippe Clement replaced Liam Manning at the helm. Results have improved somewhat since then—Norwich have lost just once in their last five matches, that defeat coming away at Watford last time out (0-1).
However, away games remain a real Achilles’ heel for Norwich. Their last win on the road came back in the summer against Blackburn (2-0). Since then, the Canaries have suffered five away defeats and five draws.
Key facts and head-to-head
- QPR have conceded in seven consecutive matches.
- Six of QPR’s last seven games have featured over two goals.
- Four of Norwich’s last five matches have produced under three goals.
- Both teams have scored in each of Norwich’s last seven matches.
- Norwich have had the upper hand in the last ten head-to-head meetings: four wins for Norwich, one victory for QPR, and five draws.
Probable lineups
- QPR: Hamer – Morgan, Dunne, Morrison, Esquerdinha – Madsen, Varane, Field – Poku, Saito, Kone
- Norwich: Kovačević – Fisher, McConville, Darling, Mahovo – Mattson, McLean, Wright – Springett, Schwartau, Sargent
Prediction
I believe both teams are capable of finding the net. QPR tend to concede but also score plenty themselves. Norwich have found goals harder to come by but the Canaries can both score and concede. My prediction: both teams to score – yes.
