Premier League preview: Stoke v QPR

Stoke City host Queens Park Rangers in a mid-table clash on Saturday, with Tony Pulis aiming to break Stoke’s three-game losing streak.

Stoke have been impressive at home this season, earning a scoreless draws Chelsea against Manchester United, but beat Liverpool 1-0 before injuries to Ryan Shawcross and Marc Wilson sent Stoke’s backline tumbling 3-1 to Newcastle United at the Britannia Stadium.

QPR legend and current Stoke City first-team coach Trevor Francis acknowledged the effect that Stoke’s Europa League exploits in Israel have had on the team as they played three games in six days prior to the international break.

“You have to learn to handle the European fixtures and then come back and play well in the Premier League. I think we needed the international break,” Francis told Potters Matchday Magazine.

“Kenny Dalglish was moaning about the two games in the space of three days, but we had three in six which included a trip to Israel.”

“I think the break helped us recuperate, and hopefully that will show on Saturday.”

One place above Stoke in 11th with better goal difference, QPR will be looking to bounce back from their 3-2 loss at home to Manchester City.

After beating local rivals Chelsea 1-0, QPR became the first team to take the lead against City this season thanks to Jay Bothroyd’s header with Heidar Helguson also scoring in the loss.

Helguson and Bothroyd both missed gilt-edged chances to steal a draw with City, however, in a promising sign for Neil Warnock’s men.

QPR will be looking to build on their strong showing, hoping to add to their two away wins so far this campaign.