Premier League: Stoke City v QPR match preview

A look ahead to this weekend's Premier League fixture at the Britannia Stadium

QPR manager Mark Hughes (GETTY IMAGES)

Stoke will host Queens Park Rangers on Saturday in what could prove to be a pivotal clash in the relegation battle come the end of the season.

Stoke's sole victory of the season came way back in September when they defeated Swansea City 2-0 at home and, with six draws also to their name, they have nine points to sit in 15th place on the table.

QPR's position is dire, however, with Rangers yet to win and in 19th place on the table with four points. One of those four points they have registered came against Reading last week when they battled their way to a 1-1 draw at Loftus Road.

Their performance in that match was decent though and they will be confident of going to Britannia Stadium and picking up a result especially considering they won 3-2 there last season.

KICK-OFF: Saturday, 3pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

QPR 1 (Cisse) Stoke 0, Premier League, May 2012

Stoke 2 (Walters, Shawcross) QPR 3 (Helguson 2, Young), Premier League, November 2011

QPR 3 (Leigertwood 2, Buzsaky) Stoke 0, Championship, March 2008

STATS...

QPR are the first team since Watford in the 2006/07 season to win none of their opening ten games.

The R’s are without a win in 18 top-flight away games, losing 15 of them. Their last away win was at Stoke.

Despite their reputation of being tough, tall and physical, Stoke have actually conceded more goals from headers this season (40 per cent) than anyone else in the Premier League.

CLASSIC MATCH...

These sides met in what is now known as League One just ten years ago. Gavin Peacock's 81st minute strike was enough to earn the Hoops all three points at The Britannia that time.

ODDS...

Stoke to win: 1.90

QPR to win: 4.20

Draw: 3.40

TV: Highlights on BBC1 at 10.50pm