Sunderland face their third match in seven days when they travel to the capital this Saturday.
Here’s our all you need to know guide ahead of the lads’ trip to Loftus Road (KO 3PM)…
ELUSIVE THREE POINTS
Chris Coleman didn’t mince his words in Thursday’s press conference. Without a win their previous eight matches, Sunderland find themselves four adrift with 10 to play. Tuesday night’s defeat to Aston Villa added more frustration to the Black Cats' camp while Burton Albion and Birmingham City occupy the other two spots in the relegation zone. QPR, meanwhile, are enjoying a relativity standard campaign. Sitting in mid-table, Ian Holloway’s side face no real danger of being dragged into a relegation dogfight while remain 18 points off the play-offs.
BROWING OUT
Ty Browning has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a groin injury. The defender was forced to withdraw from Tuesday night’s defeat in the first period, while John O’Shea was also forced off at half-time through injury. The Republic of Ireland defender remains a doubt for Saturday’s trip to Loftus Road, leaving Chris Coleman with just Lamine Kone as his only natural centre-half. Paddy McNair remains sidelined while Jake Clarke-Salter will serve the final match of his suspension.
Queens Park Rangers, meanwhile, will have Alex Baptiste available for selection after missing Tuesday night’s fixture against Derby through illness. Jamie Mackie (back), Idrissa Sylla (calf), Grant Hall (knee) and David Wheeler (ankle) remain out.
FAMILIAR FACE
Sitting at the heart of the QPR ranks is former Sunderland defender Nedum Onuoha. The 31-year-old, who joined the Black Cats under Steve Bruce during the 2010-11 season, is fondly remembered by Sunderland fans for his role in the victory at Chelsea in November 2010. Opening the scoring at Stamford Bridge with a mazy run, Onuoha then stood firm as the Black Cats kept a clean sheet on route to a 3-0 win in the capital.
FOLLOW THE ACTION
There will be no tickets on sale at Loftus Road. Tickets will go off sale on Friday at 1pm.
If you’re unable to attend the game we have comprehensive coverage of all the action as it happens across our digital channels.
Nick Barnes and Gary Bennett will be in the commentary booth from 2pm, with minute-by-minute analysis available right here and across social media from Twitter to Instagram.
