English Premier
2011-10-02 - Fulham vs QPR
A Sports Betting Pick by Lamps
Football : England : Premiership
Sunday 2nd October - Kickoff 3:00pm
Fulham
Martin Jol's Fulham side hold the unwanted record of being the only winless side in the Premiership after 6 rounds of football. However, despite this embarrassing start the side is currently occupying 17th spot in the league. Now that's not a lot to write home about but so long as the club isn't in the bottom 3 come May that's all that matters.
Being winless isn't great but this side can take heart that in 2 of the 6 games have they tasted defeat. Also it's not as though Fulham hasn't won at all this year, the side is currently playing quite well in the Europa League and won on Thursday evening against Odense (2-0).
The home form at Craven Cottage has always been very impressive over the years and I expect that to continue this season. In 3 games played this term, Fulham dominated against Villa but could score in a 0-0 game. Up next, Fulham fell behind to Blackburn but recovered well to draw 1-1 in a very close encounter.
The final home game a few weeks back against Man City looked to be a losing one with City racing to a 2-0 lead. However, Jol rallied his troops and Fulham bounced back amazingly to draw 2-2 and even had a few chances to take all 3 points.
Since the City result, known poor travelers Fulham have taken a point at West Brom (0-0) and then beat a decent Odense (2-0) in the Europa League. My point is the side is on a nice little run and remains unbeaten in 4 games over all competitions. With 2 clean sheets back to back, Fulham enter this game high on confidence and we could see the first win in front of the Craven Cottage faithful.
Team news is that Davies is out whilst Hughes and Briggs both face late tests to make this one. Dembele and Zamora return for the match against Rangers following their absense in Denmark this week. Duff also missed that game for personal reasons but to should return to the lineup. Another 2 changes to the midweek lineup should see Grygera and Sidwell return to the side in place of Etuhu and Senderos. All the changes will keep this side fresh and I see no ill effects from playing 2 games in 4 days for this club.
Predicted Fulham Lineup:
Schwarzer, Baird, Hangeland, Grygera, Riise; Duff, Sidwell, Murphy, Dempsey; Dembele, Zamora.
QPR
10th placed Rangers have started the season very well and are on the drift in the to be relegated market. I am slowly coming to the conclusion that Rangers will be safe this season. A bold statement given its only September but Warnock's team for me has the potential of finishing in midtable.
Since Tony Fernandez has taken charge of the football club things have only gone one way for Rangers. The club has signed some big names with lots of experience and their impact has been instant as Warnock's side has progressed up the league table.
Since losing 4-0 at home to Bolton on opening day, Rangers have only lost 1 of the next 5 and are currently unbeaten in the last 3. There is a confidence within the camp and whenever I watch them they look a threat and haven't been outclassed in any game.
The away form in particular is impressive 2 wins from 3 games is the 3rd best record in the league. Wins at Everton (1-0) and Wolves (3-0) were incredibly impressive with the only blemish a 2-0 defeat at Wigan.
It's interesting that every away game has seen 1 side shut out with no two sides both to score in the same game. That stat may keep going for another game as Fulham has kept back to back clean sheets whilst Rangers have kept 3 cleans in 6 games and also failed to score in 3 games this year.
Team news is that Dyer, Hulse, Mackie, Traore miss this one with Gabbidon a doubt. The Welsh centre back should make a return following his knee injury and will partner Ferdinand at the back. With Traore suspended Connolly starts which is a worry as he may get exposed against an experienced winger in Duff. Warnock has faith in his side and will go for it in a 4-4-2 formation that sees Taarabt playing the free role off Boothroyd.
Predicted QPR Lineup:
Kenny, Young, Gabbidon, Ferdinand, Connolly; Derry, Faurlin, Barton, Wright-Phillips, Taarabt; Boothroyd.
The Betting Verdict
Having drawn their last 4 home games Fulham are due a break in fortune and should go close against Rangers. The side is unbeaten in the last 4 in all competitions which includes the impressive comeback against City. With fresh faces coming into the side I think Fulham has a decent shot of winning this game.
Rangers are unlikely to keep up their amazing away record and whilst they are enjoying life in the Premiership right now this game could be a tough one for them.
Despite the mauling of Wolves, Rangers have failed to score in 3 games this season and had Dunne not score a 90th minute own goal last Sunday that would be 4 games without a goal. The side is playing good football but not taking their chances, Fulham will attack so that may help the side but I'm not convinced.
I wanted to back Both Teams to Score: No but the price is too short now. So instead I'll bite and go for Fulham to finally break their winless hoodoo in the league and bring Rangers down a level in this London derby. Home Win.
Good Luck.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Fulham 1-0 QPR
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Fulham to win 2.08 @ PinnacleSports
