Stoke City host QPR at the bet365 Stadium in the first of their last four home games.
Mark Robins is emphasizing more than just winning—he wants his Stoke City players to harness the energy of the home crowd and put on a performance that ignites support from the stands.
Stoke return to the bet365 Stadium to face Queens Park Rangers on Saturday (3pm), aiming to build on their crucial victory over Blackburn Rovers. That win, secured by Ali Al-Hamadi’s goal, created a buzzing atmosphere, something Stoke legend Mike Pejic highlighted this week. “Stoke fans know what they want to see,” he said. “Give them something to get behind, and they’ll give you back tenfold.”
Robins echoed that sentiment in his pre-match press conference, praising the fans’ backing. “The crowd has been brilliant. We’ve asked for it, and they’ve responded superbly. Players understand what supporters expect, and we’ll be reinforcing that again. Their support is vital, and when we’re pushing at the top of the division, we’ll be asking for the same.”
Stoke’s lineup will likely resemble the one that beat Blackburn. Ben Pearson is vying with Jordan Thompson for a spot in defensive midfield, while Bae Junho’s sharpness is being assessed after his return from South Korea. Sam Gallagher, Andrew Moran, and Lewis Koumas could be in contention for a start. Al-Hamadi is back in training, but it’s too soon for Enda Stevens or Ben Gibson to return.
QPR will be without suspended forward Koki Saito, but Robins is wary of 18-year-old South Korean playmaker Yang Min-Hyeok, on loan from Spurs. “They’re a good side,” Robins said. “Marti Cifuentes has done a terrific job turning things around. They were struggling early in the season but recovered well. They’ve got injuries and suspensions, but they still have quality, including Yang, who looks like a real top prospect.
“QPR play attractive football and have attacking threats. It’s about how we handle them in and out of possession.”
Predicted Stoke XI:
Johansson, Tchamadeu, Bocat, Phillips, Wilmot, Pearson, Burger, Baker, Manhoef, Junho, Al-Hamadi.
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