English Premier
2013-01-12 - Queens Park Rangers vs Tottenham Hotspur
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: English Premier League
Saturday 12 January 2013 - Kick Off 12:45pm
This game is live on TV
Queens Park Rangers
There have been a number of days since the transfer window reopened, and I have to say I am more than a little surprised that Harry Redknapp has not brought in some new players by now. Queens Park Rangers have given themselves a huge shot in the arm by winning their first League game of 2013, but they remain in deep trouble.
Despite the 0-1 win at Chelsea, Queens Park Rangers have remained at the foot of the Premier League table. However, their 13 points earned means they are still 5 short of the safety zone, while Rangers are 1-4-5 at Loftus Road this season, scoring 8 goals and conceding 19. That makes QPR the lowest home scorers in the Premier League while only Wigan Athletic have conceded more home goals.
It took a late, late Kieran Dyer goal to keep QPR in the FA Cup last weekend and maintain their unbeaten start to 2013. Prior to Rangers last 2 games unbeaten, they had lost 3 in a row in the Premier League. QPR have lost their last 2 Premier League home games against West Brom and Liverpool.
Dyer has since been let go and Jose Bosingwa is still not wanted at the club. Junior Hoilett is doubtful having been injured in the win over Chelsea, while Bobby Zamora and Andrew Johnson are out.
Tottenham Hotspur
It will be an interesting January for Tottenham Hotspur as rumours about whether they will strengthen their squad for a chance to establish a top 4 place this season continue to gather pace. Andre Villas-Boas is clearly keen on keeping the side going in the right direction and it is obvious that Spurs will be a threat for a top 4 place if they steer clear of injuries.
Tottenham will open the weekend in 3rd place in the Premier League and they have earned 39 points so far this season which leaves them 3 points clear of Everton outside of the Champions League places. They have been a little hit and miss away from home, going 6-0-4 while scoring 22 goals and conceding 16. Only Manchester United have scored more away goals or won more away games.
The side have won 4 in a row in all competitions and 5 of their last 6 since a late 2-1 loss at Everton. Spurs' away form has been very strong in recent games and they have won 3 of their last 4 on their travels in the Premier League, including back to back wins at Aston Villa and Sunderland.
Younes Kaboul has had a setback in his recovery in what is an otherwise fully fit squad. Emmanuel Adebayor will be going to the African Cup of Nations with Togo, although he is expected to still be available for this game.
Head to Head
Tottenham Hotspur beat Queens Park Rangers 2-1 at White Hart Lane earlier this season despite falling 0-1 behind.
However, QPR beat Spurs 1-0 here at Loftus Road last season in one of several memorable home wins to stave off relegation.
QPR have lost just 1 of their last 5 home games against Spurs, winning 3 of them.
Prediction
Queens Park Rangers had a real big win against Chelsea in their last Premier League game, but I think this side is still requiring some new players if they are to survive. They had looked lost just days before the win against Chelsea when Liverpool hammered them at Loftus Road and I think this is a really tough test for them.
They are facing one of the better away teams in the Premier League as Tottenham Hotspur come to town. Spurs have already won games at Aston Villa, Reading, Sunderland, Southampton and Fulham, all sides that are struggling and I think they can do that here.
Aaron Lennon and Gareth Bale give them a real attacking option and Spurs have scored at least 2 goals in 3 of their last 4 away games in the Premier League. I can see Spurs winning this one with at least 3 goals scored, but I am taking Paddy Power's offer that they win the game with either 3 or 4 goals scored in the match.
I feel Spurs will win the game and that market would have been a winner in 5 of their 6 away wins this season, while QPR's last 4 home losses would have also satisfied that margin.
The Statistics :
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Pick :
Queens Park Rangers 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur
