Hasselbaink hoping for New Year’s Day joy as QPR host Hull
Published:
Sam Barnard, Assistant Sports Editor | December 31, 2015
QPR v Hull City
- Championship
- Friday, January 1st
- Kick-off: 17:15 GMT
- Loftus Road, West London
- Live on Sky Sports 1
Hasselbaink hoping for first win
It is fair to say that Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has not made the immediate impact many were hoping when he was appointed QPR boss on December 4th, with the west Londoners still without a Championship win in the five matches since.
But the Dutchman will be hoping that a new year can signal a rise up the table, as the Hoops host Hull City on January 1st, 2016, and as tempting 21/10 shouts for victory.
However, QPR are arguably in a worse position than when former boss Chris Ramsey was sacked, being down in 15th and 10 points off the play-offs, while the Tigers (13/10 favourites) are way up in third.
Hull are unbeaten in their last six meetings with the west Londoners, though a share of the spoils (2/1) may be the best bet to take, with four of those clashes being draws – the Hoops have also had stalemates in four of the five games under Hasselbaink.
QPR without Austin but Hoilett in scoring form
But, while QPR have not gained the results they’ve desired, Charlie Austin has kept up his scoring form, netting twice in that time.
Unfortunately for the hosts, the former England call-up is unavailable, though Junior Hoilett has also scored a couple recently. Canada’s Hoilett is 14/5 to net anytime again, but Sebastian Polter, Jay Emmanuel-Thomas (both 13/5) and Matt Phillips (11/4) are shorter-priced.
For Steve Bruce’s Hull, meanwhile, Abel Hernandez has been his main man up front, as the Uruguay frontman has matches Austin’s tally of 10 so far. He tops the anytime market at 2/1.
Others to look out for include Chuba Akpom and Sone Aluko, who are priced at 23/10 and 14/5 respectively.
Related
Check out more from our Championship archive.
Coral’s top tip: These two teams have drawn four of their last six meetings, while QPR have done so in four of their five games under Hasselbaink, so back another share of the spoils at 2/1.
