Southampton vs QPR
EFL Championship
Saturday
26th August 2023
St. Mary’s Stadium
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of game week 4 of the EFL Championship fixture of Southampton vs QPR.
Southampton vs QPR: Preview
Southampton form analysis
The Saints began this run with a hard-fought 1-2 away win against Sheffield Wednesday after taking an early lead through Armstrong. Though pegged back by Gregory’s equalizer, Adams secured the winner late on to claim an important victory. They followed this up with an entertaining but ultimately disappointing 4-4 home draw against Norwich. Southampton led twice through Bednarek and two Armstrong penalties but conceded four times, including late equalizers to drop two points.
Most recently, Southampton narrowly won 1-2 away at Plymouth. After Tella put them ahead, Plymouth equalized before Adams struck late once again to grab the win but it was another unconvincing display.
Overall, it has been an inconsistent period for Southampton who have struggled to control games. At their best, the attacking trio of Adams, Armstrong and Tella have shown productivity. But defensive lapses have cost them, exemplified in the Norwich draw. Finding greater solidity and game management skills will be key. However, Southampton’s quality in attack means they will always pose a threat.
QPR form analysis
QPR registered a 0-1 away win at Stoke thanks to Adomah’s second half strike. However, a disappointing 0-2 home loss to Bristol City followed as QPR struggled to create clear chances and conceded either side of halftime. They then suffered a heavy 0-4 home defeat to Watford, with the scoreline accurately reflecting Watford’s dominance as QPR crumbled after conceding early.
QPR did bounce back with an important 1-2 away win at fellow struggler Cardiff, going ahead early through Armstrong and sealing victory late via Paal which would have lifted spirits. But they were unable to build on that result, losing 0-1 at home to Ipswich after conceding to Chaplin’s clinical strike.
Overall, it’s been an up and down spell for QPR who have oscillated between competitive victories and heavy defeats. At their best, they have shown pragmatism to grind out wins on the road. But two thrashings on home soil highlight issues creating and defending set pieces. Finding more consistency is critical for QPR to pull away from danger.
