English Other
2011-08-23 - QPR vs Rochdale
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football : Carling Cup
Tuesday 23 August 2011 - Kickoff 7:45pm
QPR
There is a big positive vibe at Loftus Road as Tony Fernandes completed his takeover of the club on Friday, their first Premier League win was recorded on Saturday, and rumours abound in West London that the hiked up ticket prices over the Summer will be returned to much more reasonable levels.
The win over Everton at Goodison Park would have really made Neil Warnock and the travelling fans happy, especially considering the 0-4 loss here at Loftus Road against Bolton on the opening day of the season. The new owner has also indicated he is willing to fund some late moves in the transfer market to improve the squad and that should have the current players hungry to fight for their places.
My biggest concern is whether Neil Warnock considers this competition a distraction or whether he wants to continue the positive vibes by moving the club into the 3rd Round. They were beaten 1-3 by Port Vale in the 1st Round last season at home in a game where Warnock rested a number of players.
Clint Hill is suspended following his sending off on the opening day, while DJ Campbell and Jay Bothroyd are unlikely to be risked since they missed the game with Everton at the weekend. Bruno Perone could be given his debut at centre half following his move over the Summer.
Rochdale
While there are some positive vibes floating around at QPR, Rochdale have made a tough start to the new season, their first without influential manager Keith Hill who moved to Barnsley. It will be interesting to see if Rochdale can survive in League One following those changes in the management staff, especially after their 9th place finish last year.
Rochdale are 22nd in League One after picking up just 2 points in their first 4 League games. They have lost both of their away games and are yet to score a goal on their travels while conceding 4 goals in those games.
The teams 1 win this season came in extra time against Chesterfield in the 1st Round of this competition, but they have failed to win 3 games since that win and have failed to score a goal in the last 2. Rochdale have lost at Sheffield Wednesday and Oldham this season, both 2-0.
Pim Balkestein is likely to be straight into the starting line up after coming in on loan from Brentford. He comes in for Neal Trotman who will be serving a suspension following a sending off on Saturday.
Prediction
This is a hard game to call- if QPR were definitely playing a first team, I would say the 1.61 is excellent value, but Neil Warnock has been known to switch his players around and I expect that to be even more so considering they have a game at Wigan at the weekend, a potential relegation 6 pointer come May.
However, there are plenty of positives in this part of West London and they may well be able to ride that in a match where the home fans should be vocal with their support for the hoops. I expect the players that do get an opportunity will want to prove they are important to a squad that could be bolstered in the next 9 days and they could take advantage of a Rochdale team learning a new manager's philosophy.
Losing Keith Hill was always going to be tough on Rochdale considering his achievements over the last 2 seasons. They have had a tough time scoring goals away from home so far this season, although 2 games is no real indicator of trends.
With all the good news surrounding Loftus Road, I would be surprised if Neil Warnock allows that momentum to be deflated before a big game at Wigan on Saturday. With a few days to recover ahead of that game, I think QPR will be fired up and can win this game.
I will chance them on the Asian Handicap to come through in what could be a high scoring game.
The Pick :
QPR 3-1 Rochdale
