QPR v West Brom betting tips: Baggies to close gap on second?
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Odds and preview ahead of tonight’s Championship game
After QPR were knocked out of the FA Cup by Watford in a close encounter at the weekend, they’ll be looking to bounce back to end their slide down the league table.
West Brom beat Midlands rivals Aston Villa at the weekend, and will be looking to maintain their push towards the automatic promotion spots. They’re only four points behind second-placed Sheffield United as it stands.
Can QPR end their league drought? Or will the Baggies edge closer to the leaders?
We’ve got all the key info and odds ahead of the game, live on Sky Sports Football Red Button with kick-off at 7:45pm…
Head-to-head
West Brom ended their three-game losing streak against QPR earlier this season.
Darren Moore’s men thumped the Hoops in August, running out with an easy 7-1 win.
The head-to-head record is pretty evenly split, with the Baggies winning 19 in comparison to the Hoops 16. The pair have also played out 10 draws in that time.
Likely XIs
Hoops boss Steve McClaren has no new injury concerns, but he’ll still be without a few of his first-choice back-line.
Joel Lynch could make a return from a back injury, although he may not be risked. Angel Rangel and Geoff Cameron will remain on the sideline with thigh and ankle injuries respectively.
The Baggies will be without one of their deadly duo in Dwight Gayle, as he serves the second game of his two-match ban for simulation.
Hal Robson-Kanu could take his place in the starting XI, though he’s likely to undergo a late fitness test. James Morrison and Matt Phillips are ruled out of the match through ankle injuries.
Key battles
West Brom could be without three of the goalscorers from their game earlier this season. Phillips, Gayle and Robson-Kanu bagged four of the seven scored at the Hawthorns.
But Jay Rodriguez is Albions’s top scorer this season, and he scored twice in that game. QPR will need to keep him quiet if they’re to stand any chance of picking up any points.
Jacob Murphy has been a live-wire for the Baggies since his deadline day loan move from Newcastle, injecting pace to the West Brom wings.
Whichever wing Murphy plays on, Darnell Furlong or Jake Bidwell will need to be on top of their game to ensure they stop his creativity.
Matt Smith has scored eight and assisted eight in his last 16 Championship appearances. Craig Dawson and Ahmed Hegazi will need to restrict Smith’s chances in the air, with Kieran Gibbs and Mason Holgate needing to limit service into the box.
Match odds
West Brom come into the match as 13/10 favourites to leave Loftus Road with three points.
Despite the 7-1 result going against QPR in the first game, they’re not too far out. Our traders have priced a Hoops win at 11/5. You can get 12/5 on a draw.
Rodriguez will be the focal point for the Baggies front-line, and he’ll be looking to add to his 17 league goals. He’s 4/1 to score first or 7/5 anytime. If you’re backing him to score two or more again, he’s 9/2 for that.
Smith is the Hoops best shot of a breakthrough. He’s 11/2 to score first or 19/10 anytime.
Click here for the latest QPR v West Brom odds.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
