Professional odds compiler Owen Goulding tells LFW that QPR’s recent improvements in attack, but ongoing problems at the back, make for a stand-out betting opportunity at Loftus Road on Sunday.
As I left Villa Park on Tuesday night, I couldn't help but feel a little disappointed at the result, but happy that I had at least got value for money watching a Premier League match - something that happens very rarely across the board in the top flight.
A Matt Phillips inspired QPR attack has made Rangers look likely to score every time they enter the pitch. However, the problem is they look like they are going to concede at every opposition attack. Chris Ramsey was given a lot of credit for changing the formation after what can only be described as one of the worst half performances I have ever witnessed live at a game (and there has been a number of them) by Niko Kranjcar but my worry is that this was apparent to all and sundry in the away end after 20 minutes and should of been sorted much sooner than the fiftieth minute it was actually dealt with. A better side would have had us put away well before half time and it’s impossible not to see QPR conceding on Sunday.
However, Chelsea themselves are no great shakes in the defensive stakes, failing to keep a clean sheet in seven of their previous ten away games in all competitions and conceding twelve goals in the process. With Charlie Austin having the golden touch and Phillips currently providing more assists than a Dignitas nurse, I'm struggling to make a case for QPR NOT to score. Boylesports are currently 21/20 that both teams score and this is well worth a betting interest.
Recommended Bet: QPR v Chelsea - Both teams to score @ 21/20 (Boylesports)
Elsewhere, my bet of the weekend comes in the Championship where Middlesbrough appear much too short to beat Rotherham at the Riverside. Yes it is true Rotherham have a terrible away record, and Boro have in fact won nine of their last ten home games so on first look, I must be crazy going against Boro here - but a lot of their good form has been down to the form of veteran midfielder Grant Leadbitter and he misses this game through suspension. I’ve seen enough of Rotherham recently to know they'll make life difficult for the hosts here and can see them fighting tooth and nail for their Championship status in this one. Boro are rightly decent favourites, but the market has gone too far in my opinion so I recommend backing Rotherham or the draw at 17/10 with Paddy Power.
Bet of Weekend: Middlesbrough v Rotherham - Draw or Rotherham @ 17/10 (Paddy Power)
And finally a mention on the National. It really is a pin in the paper job, but if I had to be pushed, the form suggest Balthazar King will go close once again. The favourite is a ridiculously short price based mainly on the man on board and not the beast and I couldn’t back it with stolen money. An overpriced outsider if you prefer that would be Unioniste who looks suitably handicapped around a course he seems to like.
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