English Premier
2011-11-19 - Stoke City vs QPR
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: English Premier League
Saturday 19 November 2011 - Kick Off 3pm
Stoke City
I am sure the fans of Stoke City have been enjoying their Europa League adventure so far this season, but Tony Pulis must be mightily concerned with the way his side have capitulated in their Premier League games following a European tie. The 5-0 loss at Bolton Wanderers was the latest in a line of games where Stoke have flattered to deceive after a Thursday night game.
That loss to Bolton saw Stoke slip down to 12th in the Premier League having gained 12 points so far this season. That tally actually means the Potters are closer to the bottom of the League than they are to the top 4, but they return home for a couple of games in the hope they can move up the table. Stoke are 2-2-1 at the Brittania Stadium this season, scoring 5 goals and conceding 4.
I think Pulis would have been glad for a two week break to allow his side to recharge their batteries as they went into the international period having lost 4 of their last 5 games in all competitions, including 3 on the bounce in the Premier League. Stoke have lost back to back games at the Brittania in all competitions having won 3 in a row there previously.
Ryan Shawcross should be available for selection having missed the game against Bolton, but Marc Wilson will need a late fitness test. Matthew Etherington and Jermaine Pennant have had two weeks to clear up the niggles they were feeling before the internationals.
QPR
QPR showed tremendous heart and character in their 2-3 loss to Manchester City in their last game, and they were perhaps a little unfortunate not to have gained a point or better from the match. Neil Warnock will be looking for his side to gain as many points as possible in the next 6 weeks before reinforcements can be brought in during the January transfer window.
Rangers sit one place higher than Stoke in 11th place in the Premier League, having a better goal difference by 1 goal to take that place. They have a 2-0-3 record away from home where they have scored 5 goals but conceded 11. While goals have been a problem for the side, half of their season total have come on their travels.
Despite a great effort, the defeat to Manchester City means QPR have lost back to back games since beating Chelsea, and have conceded 3 goals in each of those losses. QPR have lost their last 2 away games in the Premier League at Fulham and Tottenham, conceding 9 goals and scoring just 1.
Fitz Hall, Matt Connolly and Akos Buzsaky are all hoping for a return to the first team squad, while Rob Hulse could return for his first League appearance this season.
Head to Head
Stoke beat QPR here 3-1 in their last League meeting back in the 2007/08 season.
QPR beat Stoke 3-0 at home later that season to stop a run of 3 losses and 1 draw in the previous 4 games between the sides.
Prediction
This is the kind of game that Tony Pulis is likely to have circled at the start of the season as one his side need to be winning to maintain their status as a Premier League team and I have to say that I expect them to do so.
QPR have had a couple of decent wins on their travels, but the Brittania is notoriously a tough place to visit, while a lack of goals in the Rangers side remains a concern.
Stoke have not exactly been free-scoring at home, but they have played Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United and the surprising Newcastle United there this season, and this will be seen as a much more winnable contest.
The price is just about tempting enough for me to go in on the home win here and I expect Stoke should be able to do so in a tough contest.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Stoke City 2-0 QPR
