Stoke are back in action in the Championship just one point above the relegation zone after suffering four defeats in their last six league matches.
On the other hand, QPR are in a slightly better position with six points and five places ahead of Stoke. However, manager Marti Cifuentes has some concerns following his team's poor form - they have only managed to secure one point from their last five matches and have lost seven out of their last 10 games.
QPR were looking strong in ninth place before their recent struggles, aiming for a play-off spot. Now, their main focus is to steer clear of the relegation zone.
Even though QPR managed to secure a point against Leeds, their recent fixtures against top-eight teams like Sheffield United, West Brom, Middlesbrough, and Leeds have been challenging. They were leading 2-0 against Leeds before being equalized, extending their winless streak to five games.
Mark Robins, who joined Stoke in January after leaving Coventry, hasn't been able to lead his new team to many victories, with only three wins under his belt so far this season.
The previous encounter between Stoke and QPR ended in a 1-1 draw, with Stoke initially taking the lead in the first half, but QPR equalizing through an own goal.
Team news
Stoke's players who were on international duty have returned unharmed. Manager Robins mentioned that Enda Stevens and Ben Gibson are close to returning from injury, while Sol Sidibe remains sidelined. Striker Ali Al-Hamadi, who pulled out of international duty due to injury, has resumed training.
QPR will be missing midfielder Koki Saito due to suspension following his red card in the game against Leeds. Captain Steve Cook is out with a foot injury. Jonathan Varane and Alfie Lloyd may make a comeback to the squad, but Zan Celar, Ilias Chair, and Jake Clarke-Salter are still sidelined.
The stats
Stoke have drawn eight out of their 19 home league matches this season.
In Stoke's last four games, both teams have scored only once.
In six of Stoke's last eight home league matches, there have been under 2.5 goals.
Only one out of the last nine meetings between these two teams has seen more than 2.5 goals scored.
QPR's last three visits to Stoke have seen only one goal scored each time.
QPR have managed just one point from their last five matches.
Prediction
Stoke have been resilient at home under Robins, with Middlesbrough being the only team to leave with three points so far in 2025. However, Stoke's inconsistent form makes it difficult to predict them as clear favorites to win this game.
Out of Stoke's 19 home league games, they have only won six, with seven of their last 13 fixtures across league and cup competitions ending in draws.
QPR's recent draw against Leeds was their first game without a winner in 2025. Another draw could be on the cards.
The previous meeting between these two teams ended in a 1-1 draw, suggesting another closely contested match with few goals expected, as seen in their recent encounters.