Premier League Preview Cont 26th Nov

Can Harry Redknapp save QPR from the drop? He takes over the London side with just four points from their opening 13 games, some six behind Aston Villa in 17th. In recent seasons 36 has been enough to keep teams up rather than the magic 40 point marker that the media puts around. 36 points is 32 more than they have at the moment and to reach that figure they must win 11 more games (that will put them on 37 points). To win 11 of the last 25 games is a difficult ask and bookmakers think it will be too much for Redknapp. You can get 11/10 (Skybet/BetVictor) if you think they can stay up while those who think they are doomed to relegation can get them for the drop at 5/6 (ladbrokes/william hill).

QPR must start picking up points quickly and the game with Sunderland on Tuesday night that will mark the first game in charge for Redknapp seems like an ideal moment to do this. The Black Cats had to move themselves this weekend to deny a managerial change as rumours began to circulate that Martin O’Neill had resigned as manager following defeat to West Brom. Sunderland though have confirmed that the boss is going nowhere and this game Tuesday takes on massive significance for all concerned. It is 13/10 (general) that the Black Cats get the home victory that would be only their second of the season (the other coming against Wigan). QPR meanwhile have picked up just one point from their last 14 top flight away games and are 12/5 (general) all three points and 22/9 (pinnacle) the draw. It might be worth chancing that Redknapp and the new manager bounce works for here QPR and DRAW/QPR can be had in the double chance market at a generous 11/17 (BWin).

Those looking for a first goalscorer bet will see the market is headed by Steven Fletcher at 9/2 (boylesports/Stan James) while Stephane Sessegnon has netted in his last two and is a 7/1 (general) chance. It is unclear what kind of line up Redknapp will go with for QPR though injuries up front mean Djibril Cisse is likely to lead the line and he is 8/1 (Totesport/betfred/BetVictor) while Jamie Mackie is a 13/1 (BetVictor) chance. The bet for me is both teams to score at 10/11 (Skybet/Coral/william hill). This would have paid in nine of the 13 QPR league games this season and in six of the last 11 Sunderland games (including each of their last three). As manager of Tottenham Redknapp was not known for sending out defensive teams and having seen the way his side defended against Man Utd he is likely to know that attack will be the best form of defence.

The other game Tuesday night pits Aston Villa against Reading. It is 68/67 (pinnacle) that Aston Villa get all three points here while the draw is 51/19 (Pinnacle) and the away win is 3/1 (general). Villa have looked solid at home this season losing just two of their six (and these came against Everton and Man Utd). The draw with Arsenal was their third in the last four home games. Reading meanwhile have not won any of their six Premier League away games though did pick up a point at QPR and again at Swansea. It is tough too know how this game will play out as Reading are quite an open team while Paul Lambert has concentrated on making Villa organized. Five of the last eight Villa games in the league have been level at HT and it looks worth small stakes on the 5/4 (bet365/BetVictor) that this game is also level at HT.

BEST OF THE BETS

GOLD: Both teams to score in QPR v Sunderland, 10/11 (Skybet/Coral/William Hill)
SILVER: QPR and draw in double chance market v Sunderland, 11/17 (BWin)
BRONZE: Villa and Reading to be level at HT, 5/4 (bet365/BetVictor)

Any odds displayed within this article were correct at the time of publishing (26/11/2012) but are subject to change.

26/11/2012     © Frixo 2024