Championship: Charlie Austin to fire QPR ahead of Fulham in capital club clash
Fulham host the first Championship west London derby of the season, and their excellent recent record against QPR at Craven Cottage means Kit Symons’ side are 8/5 favourites for victory with Coral.
The Cottagers have won all four of their past clashes against the Hoops on home turf, clocking-up 12 goals in those fixtures. Yet, the guests are four points clear of their hosts and come into the capital scuffle having scored in all of their last 10 games.
Both Fulham and QPR have 13 wins apiece against each other across all competitions, and the inconsistent form of these two teams should make for a marvellous London match-up. So, customers can take attractive odds of 12/5 for a splitting of the spoils, though scorer markets may be better value in this battle.
Hoops hitman Charlie Austin is, of course, the man of the moment, having stayed put at Loftus Road this summer, and going on to smash home six times in eight games. His lethal haul of 44 in 81 across all competitions for QPR is no less impressive now that the striker is back toiling in the Championship and, after ensuring his club claimed a point last time out versus Hull City, Austin is an excellent price of 9/2 to poach first again.
Instrumental attacking midfield pair Tjaronn Chery and Matt Phillips have also shown a promising nose for goal this term, so may prove respective fruitful punts at 11/4 and 2/1 in the anytime market.
Austin and co could well give visiting QPR the edge on their short trip across town then, but the Cottagers are not without their own threats.
Scottish sharpshooter Ross McCormack (11/2 to notch the opener) has been reliable in front of net with four in eight over all competitions, while young-guns Moussa Dembele (15/8 to notch anytime) and Cauley Woodrow (6/4) have also been among the goals.
In injury news, Dutch midfield hustler Leroy Fer could be fit enough to return for the Hoops, while former Fulham fullback Paul Konchesky is raring to go against his ex-club and is a cheeky 12/1 chance in the anytime market.
As there have been 15 goals produced from the past four tussles between these two west London teams, QPR could also be an intriguing shot at 7/2 to win with both clubs to score.
Betting tip: Austin could be an easy win @ 9/2 to net the opener