West Ham vs QPR prediction

West Ham welcome London rivals QPR to the London Stadium in a clash near the top of the Championship table. The hosts sit second with 15 points from eight matches, driven by the division's most prolific attack having scored 22 goals so far, including 14 in four home fixtures. However, recent defensive lapses, including a 3-2 home defeat to Fulham and a 2-2 draw at Millwall, highlight vulnerabilities that need addressing.

QPR occupy sixth place with 13 points and arrive with an unbeaten away record of two wins and two draws. Marti Cifuentes' side has proven difficult to break down on the road, conceding only three goals in four away fixtures, though they enter this fixture on a run of three consecutive draws against Charlton, West Brom, and Preston.

Both sides deal with notable absences, with West Ham missing Tomas Soucek, Alphonse Areola, Joel Veltman, and the suspended Mory Kante, while QPR travel without Ilias Chair, Karamoko Dembele, and the suspended Dennis Cirkin. West Ham's superior firepower at home gives them the advantage, but QPR's resilience away from home suggests a competitive London derby.