Preview: Burnley vs. Queens Park Rangers - prediction, team news, lineups

In sharp contrast, QPR make the daunting trip to Turf Moor sitting just one point above the relegation zone.

Match preview

Despite the celebrations of promotion earlier this month, Vincent Kompany and his Burnley squad would have expected to have the league title sewn up by now.

Instead, the Clarets have been made to wait for that inevitable achievement courtesy of back-to-back draws at relegation-threatened Reading and Rotherham United.

Burnley twice lead at the New York Stadium on Tuesday night, only to allow their hosts to net during the latter stages of either half to record a 2-2 scoreline.

While Kompany will be frustrated, he will also want to enjoy the closing games of the season, particularly on Saturday when his side can be confirmed as champions.

Burnley remain undefeated in their 21 league contests at Turf Moor during 2022-23, recording 15 victories and six draws, and it is a return that will inevitably concern Gareth Ainsworth.

When departing Wycombe Wanderers for QPR, Ainsworth would have had visions of easing the club away from the relegation zone.

However, the West London outfit have instead remained in freefall, the Hoops collecting just five points from 10 fixtures since Ainsworth's arrival.

Crucially, QPR have earned draws versus West Bromwich Albion and Norwich City since April 10, those results being required to remain out of the relegation zone.

Nevertheless, they realistically needed more than that two-point haul from three games, the other ending in a 3-0 loss to Coventry City, and Ainsworth is aware that QPR may only stay in the Championship if they can beat at least one of the leaders, Stoke City or Bristol City.

Burnley Championship form:

W

D

W

W

D

D

Burnley form (all competitions):

L

D

W

W

D

D

Queens Park Rangers Championship form:

L

L

L

D

L

D

Team News

Kompany is likely to tinker with his Burnley XI, recalling the likes of Jack Cork, Benson Manuel and Ashley Barnes.

Arijanet Muric and Taylor Harwood-Bellis may also come back into the fold with Kompany possibly preferring to give players who have featured more regularly this season the glory of securing the club the title.

Hjalmar Ekdal and Nathan Tella are both expected to miss out for at least one more game due to injury.

Ainsworth must decide whether to stick with a 4-4-2 formation or strengthen QPR's midfield with an extra man.

Luke Amos could possibly be recalled to replace Chris Martin, with Albert Adomah an option if Ainsworth wants fresh legs on the flanks.

Burnley possible starting lineup:

Muric; Roberts, Harwood-Bellis, Beyer, Maatsen; Cullen, Cork; Benson, Gudmundsson, Zaroury; Barnes

Queens Park Rangers possible starting lineup:

Dieng; Drewe, Dunne, Clarke-Salter, Paal; Amos, Iroegbunam, Field; Lowe, Dykes, Chair

We say: Burnley 3-0 Queens Park Rangers

This is the worst fixture possible for QPR at this time and we expect it to end in defeat. Burnley want to wrap up the second-tier crown in style, something we feel will be achieved with minimal fuss.

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