Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012
The Newcastle v QPR odds have Alan Pardew’s side as warm favourites for this game, with Rangers now in the relegation zone.
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The game is a first in charge of QPR for Mark Hughes, after he took over from Neil Warnock.
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Newcastle United: 4/5
QPR: 7/2
Draw: 13/5
This game is a serious test for both teams, who are both missing some significant names from their squads. If you asked most observers to pick their two best players, they would be Demba Ba, with 15 goals in 15 games, and Cheik Tiote, rugged and effective in midfield. With both of them on African Nations Cup duty, there have to be questions about how effective they can be. With no Peter Lovenkrands, their likely front pairing is Leon Best and Shola Ameobi, which is not so frightening. On the other hand, they do have the defensive unit that has helped them to seven clean sheets this season.
As for QPR, we’ll see what difference Mark Hughes can make. They have been light on goals – just 20 so far – but Hughes did seem, at Manchester City and Fulham, have the ability to set up organised sides who were hard to beat. But they are missing key players – Alejandro Faurlin, who has impressed this year, is injured, and Adel Taarat and Armand Traore are also unavailable as they prepare for the African Cup of Nations. All in all it leaves two sides looking a little light of talent if not on hard work.
A draw looks great value here at 13/5 with Paddy Power – and the 0-0 draw at 9/1 is also worth considering. Use our links to open an account and you get a £50 free bet!