Premier League preview: QPR v Stoke

Queens Park Rangers manager Mark Hughes will bank on his side’s strong home form against Stoke in the Premier League on Sunday.

QPR were thrashed 6-1 away to Chelsea last week and return to their home ground fighting for survival in the English top flight.

Hughes’ side have won their past four games at home, including victories over Tottenham, Arsenal and Liverpool, and have not been beaten on their own pitch since February.

QPR need a win to make sure they remain outside the relegation zone heading into the final weekend of the league.

The London club, who only moved up to the Premier League this season, are in 17th, a spot outside the relegation places and equal on 34 points with Bolton, who are in the relegation zone.

Hughes’ team face league-leaders Manchester City on the final day of the season, meaning that Sunday’s clash with Stoke is QPR’s last realistic chance of a win.

In a positive for Hughes and his players, Stoke are on a four-game winless streak and have not tasted success away from home in eight league matches.

Hughes will have defensive midfielder Samba Diakite available again after illness.

Stoke manager Tony Pulis’ main concern will be where the goals come from.

Pulis’ side have scored the least amount of goals in the league this season and have only managed 11 goals in 18 away games.

Stoke have won just once in the past nine league games including a 3-0 defeat to Newcastle in their most recent away match on April 21.

Pulis’ team is currently 13th on the league table with 44 points and while they cannot be relegated, Stoke will want to finish off their season in a more positive fashion.

After their game against QPR, Stoke take on Bolton on the final day of the season, so they will play a major role in the relegation battle despite not being in danger themselves.