Coventry Vs Stoke

West Bromwich Albion are set to host Queens Park Rangers at The Hawthorns this weekend in a highly anticipated Championship clash. As the promotion race intensifies, Albion are eager to strengthen their bid for a return to the Premier League, while QPR hope to keep their faint playoff hopes alive with a crucial victory on the road.

West Brom currently sit in sixth place in the Championship table, having amassed 52 points from 35 matches. Their recent performances have been solid, demonstrating resilience and determination, particularly in challenging encounters. Most recently, they secured an important point away to league leaders Leeds United in a 1-1 draw, with Darnell Furlong stepping up to score the equaliser after Junior Firpo had given the home side the lead. That result not only extended Albion’s decent run of form but also underlined their ability to compete with the strongest teams in the division.

Over the past five matches, West Brom have only suffered one defeat, further cementing their reputation as a difficult team to beat. Their home form has been particularly noteworthy, having won six of their last eight league matches at The Hawthorns. This impressive run has turned their stadium into a fortress, making it a daunting venue for visiting teams. Another striking statistic is their formidable record against teams from London. Albion have managed to avoid defeat in their previous 17 Championship encounters against clubs from the capital, a run that dates back to September 2009 when they lost 1-0 to Crystal Palace. Such a record should give them an added psychological edge against QPR this weekend.

Offensively, West Brom have been one of the more potent sides in the division, having netted 45 goals in 35 matches. Their attacking proficiency has allowed them to maintain a strong position in the playoff race. However, it is their defensive solidity that has truly made them stand out. With only 32 goals conceded in the league this season, Albion rank among the top five defensive units in the Championship. Their ability to restrict opposition attacks has played a pivotal role in their campaign, providing the foundation for their promotion push.

West Brom’s season has been marked by unexpected managerial changes, yet they have managed to remain focused on their ultimate objective of securing Premier League football. The departure of Carlos Corberan to La Liga side Valencia in December was a significant disruption, but interim manager Chris Brunt managed to steady the ship before Tony Mowbray returned to take charge in January. Since his appointment, Mowbray has guided Albion to three wins and two draws from his eight matches in charge. As they head into this weekend’s fixture, the Baggies will be looking to add to their impressive home points tally, which currently stands at 31.

Meanwhile, their opponents, Queens Park Rangers, find themselves in a much more precarious position. QPR are currently 14th in the table, sitting eight points adrift of the playoff positions. While the R’s still have an outside chance of making a late surge for the top six, their recent form suggests that achieving that goal will be a tall order. Last weekend’s defeat to Sheffield United marked their fifth league loss of 2025, with all of those defeats coming within the last seven matches. Such a run has significantly dented their chances of mounting a genuine playoff challenge.

At the start of the year, QPR looked much better placed to make a push for the postseason. Back in January, a 2-1 victory over Hull City propelled them to ninth in the table, just four points off the top six. That win was part of an impressive four-game winning streak that showcased their attacking verve and defensive discipline. However, since then, their performances have dipped dramatically. Their only victories since that promising spell have come against Blackburn Rovers and Derby County, with all other results ending in defeat. This alarming slump in form has left them with a mountain to climb if they are to force their way back into the playoff picture.

A win against West Brom could reinvigorate their campaign, providing a much-needed morale boost as they head into a crucial period of the season. Following this fixture, QPR are set to face promotion contenders Middlesbrough and Leeds United, two matches that could shape their fortunes for the remainder of the campaign. If they are to stand any chance of making the playoffs, they will need to pick up positive results in these crunch fixtures.

One of QPR’s biggest concerns this season has been their away form. While they have managed to secure a few victories on the road, their overall record away from home has been far from convincing. So far, they have won just four matches on their travels, with seven of their 13 league defeats coming away from Loftus Road. Their last away victory came on January 21, and they will be desperate to end that barren run this weekend. If they are to claim three points at The Hawthorns, they will need to overcome their historical struggles at the venue, having won just once in their last 12 league visits to West Brom.

West Brom will enter this match brimming with confidence, particularly given their strong record against QPR in recent years. Earlier in the campaign, Albion secured a convincing 3-1 victory over the R’s, with Josh Maja stealing the show by scoring a stunning hat-trick. That result underlined the gulf in quality between the two sides and will serve as a reminder of the challenge that awaits QPR this weekend. Furthermore, the Baggies have dominated this fixture historically, having lost just once in their last 11 league meetings against the London club.

Given the form and statistical advantages that West Brom possess, they will be firm favourites heading into this clash. Their ability to combine defensive resilience with attacking potency makes them a formidable opponent, particularly on home soil. With their promotion rivals breathing down their neck, securing all three points this weekend could be crucial in their pursuit of a Premier League return.

On the other hand, QPR have nothing to lose. While their playoff ambitions have taken a significant hit in recent weeks, an upset victory at The Hawthorns could reignite their campaign and provide the momentum needed to close the gap on the top six. However, their defensive frailties, coupled with their struggles on the road, suggest that they will have to produce a near-perfect performance to get a result against a well-drilled West Brom side.

As the Championship season approaches its climax, every match takes on added significance. For West Brom, this is an opportunity to solidify their place in the playoff spots and potentially close the gap on the automatic promotion places. For QPR, it represents a chance to keep their season alive and avoid slipping into mid-table obscurity. The stakes are high, and both teams will be eager to make a statement.

Ultimately, West Brom will be expected to emerge victorious, given their superior form, home advantage, and historical dominance over QPR. However, as is often the case in the Championship, surprises are always possible. With both teams desperate for points for different reasons, this encounter promises to be an intriguing and fiercely contested battle at The Hawthorns.