EFL Championship | Gameweek 46

May 3, 2025 at 12.30pm UK

Stadium of Light

Sunderland vs QPR

Match preview

For much of his first season in charge, Regis Le Bris has been a breath of fresh air at the Stadium of Light, keeping Sunderland in the top six.

However, despite the obvious joy that comes with securing a play-off spot with a few weeks to go, the Black Cats have now lost four games in a row.

Swansea City, Bristol City, Blackburn Rovers and Oxford United have all beaten the north-east giants, who have also only scored once.

That record has now been extended to just four goals scored in nine games, and there is an argument to be made that Sunderland's current form has made them outsiders for promotion.

Nevertheless, Le Bris will see this contest as an opportunity for his players to get back on track, with their only three defeats at the Stadium of Light this season coming in their last six games.

As for QPR, they are in complete disarray ahead of the long trip north, with head coach Marti Cifuentes placed on gardening leave, apparently as a result of his representatives holding talks with West Bromwich Albion.

While the two parties have yet to formally part ways, it now seems inevitable that the Spaniard's stay will end, despite QPR consolidating their place in the second tier of English football.

Their current position of 15th is an improvement on last season's 18th place finish, and QPR have recently enjoyed a run of nine points from six games.

However, the Hoops were thrashed 5-0 at home by Burnley last time out and it remains to be seen how they will respond to that embarrassment at Loftus Road.

Recent Performance

Sunderland Championship form:WDLLLL

Queens Park Rangers Championship form:DWDWLL

Team News

Le Bris will have to decide whether to rest key players ahead of the play-offs or field his strongest XI in the hope of a win.

The likes of Dennis Cirkin, Alan Browne and Tom Watson are all pushing for opportunities in defence and midfield. Dan Ballard, Eliezer Mayenda and Romaine Mundle have all returned to training after injury but are unlikely to feature.

With a 5-0 defeat and no permanent manager at the helm, QPR's starting line-up is a complete unknown.

Ilias Chair and Michael Frey are expected to return in the final third, while teenager Emmerson Sutton is also pushing for his first league start. Paul Smyth remains suspended.

Possible starting lineup

Sunderland possible starting lineup:

Patterson; Hume, Mepham, O'Nien, Cirkin; Neil, Browne; Roberts, Rigg, Fee; Isidor

Queens Park Rangers possible starting lineup:

Nardi; Dunne, Morrison, Edwards, Paal; Varane, Colback; Chair, Madsen, Dembele; Frey