QPR vs Sunderland predictions: Buoyant Black Cats can win capital clash
- Sunderland have triumphed on four of their last seven league visits to Loftus Road
- QPR have won just one of their last 16 Championship home fixtures
- Recommended bet: Sunderland to win
Sunderland delivered the outstanding performance of the last round of Championship fixtures, winning 5-0 at home to Southampton, and they will be looking to kick-on when facing mid-table QPR at Loftus Road on Saturday.
The Black Cats lost their opening two league games of the season but they have taken seven points from the last three and are aiming to push towards the play-offs.
QPR were among the pre-season relegation favourites and started off with a dismal 4-0 loss away to Watford.
However, Gareth Ainsworth's side have won two of their last four league matches and will be hoping to finish the weekend inside the top half of the table.
Team news
QPR striker Lyndon Dykes missed three weeks with a knee injury but he made two substitute appearances for Scotland during the international break and could be ready to start for his club this weekend.
Central defender Jimmy Dunne (shoulder) is yet to feature this season but he has been back in training.
Sunderland are waiting on a work permit for Ukrainian forward Nazariy Rusyn, who was snapped up from Zorya Luhansk on deadline day.
Another recent signing, Timothee Pembele, is building up his match fitness after a long-term injury but Patrick Roberts (hamstring) is back in contention.
Corry Evans, Jay Matete (both knee) and Aji Alese (thigh) are ruled out.
The stats
QPR have won just one of their last 16 Championship home games, failing to score more than once on each of those occasions.
The Londoners have lost five of their last six home fixture without scoring a goal
Sunderland have triumphed on four of their last seven league trips to QPR.
The Black Cats have conceded the first goal in six of their last eight fixtures and have not bagged the opener in an away game since a 3-0 success at Preston in May.
Three of Sunderland's last four away league games have featured at least three goals
Prediction
Sunderland should be supremely confident after their 5-0 success at home to Southampton and they are likely to have a little too much quality for QPR at Loftus Road.
Tony Mowbray has done a superb job in the Black Cats' hotseat and his efforts were rewarded by an extended contract during the international break.
The 59-year-old enhanced his squad on deadline day with the additions of striker Nazariy Rusyn, attacking midfielder Adil Aouchiche and defender Timothee Pembele but he will be reluctant to make any changes to the side which put the Saints to the sword.
Mowbray's side typically play with a lot of pace and energy and their high-tempo style could be too much for QPR, who have lost three of five league matches.
QPR have picked up a couple of surprise victories away to Cardiff (2-1) and Middlesbrough (2-0), but they are not used to winning on home soil.
The Hoops have tasted defeat in six of their last seven home fixtures and they may have to digest another poor result this weekend.
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