QPR v Sheffield United predictions: Blades can bolster their top-six claims

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Queens Park Rangers v Sheffield United in the Championship on Friday.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Football & Main Event, 7.45pm Friday

Best bet

Sheffield United
1pt 10-11 BoyleSports

Team news

QPR
Seny Dieng (thigh) is not expected to be fit and Lee Wallace, David Marshall, Rob Dickie, Chris Willock (all hamstring), Moses Odubajo (calf) and Jordan Archer (leg) are definitely out.

Sheff Utd
Jack O'Connell, Charlie Goode, Jayden Bogle (all knee), Oli McBurnie (foot), David McGoldrick (thigh) and Rhian Brewster (hamstring) are sidelined but George Baldock (muscle strain) could return.

Match preview

According to expected-goal statistics, Sheffield United have been failing to make the most of their opportunities, but they are a team worth trusting on their crucial trip to QPR.

The Blades would have an extra 27 points - 96 instead of 69 - and be secure in the top two had they lived up to xG expectations this term. As it is, they could need to win their final two games to make sure of a playoff place.

Failing to make the most of their dominance has been a common theme, which can be partly attributed to an over-reliance on 14-goal top scorer Billy Sharp.

A muscle injury sidelined Sharp for most of April but the 36-year-old came off the bench for the final quarter of last Saturday's 1-0 success at home to Cardiff and he looks set to start at Loftus Road.

While United are pushing to extend their season, QPR are heading for a period of transition with manager Mark Warburton admitting that he doesn't expect to be at the club next term.

The Hoops are six points adrift of the top six and, while still a mathematical possibility, they are unlikely to be gatecrashing the playoff party this season.

QPR have taken just 12 points from their last 16 games and are hampered by a lengthy injury list featuring influential players Seny Dieng, Rob Dickie and Chris Willock.

Warburton's side will be keen to secure a positive result in their last home game of the campaign, but there is a lack of quality and confidence in the group and it shouldn't be too difficult for the visitors to take advantage.

Key stat

QPR have lost eight of their last 11 games.

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