Tuesday, January 17, 2012

HUGHES LOOKING TO BOOK DERBY DATE WITH BLUES ....


FA CUP : QPR- MK DONS

Quick turnaround for Rangers, who were in the North East at Newcastle on sunday and with top flight survival surely their main priority, I would normally be looking to oppose almost any EPL side under similar circumstances. However, this is Mark Hughes' home debut as boss and starting with a defeat to a third tier team, is not going to instantly endear him to supporters. Also, the reward for winning here is a money spinning, high profile game with neighbours Chelsea, a former club of Hughes, so I think he will have his troops "up" for this one. There was quite a bit to like about their performance at St James' Park and they had chances to at least claim a share of the points, perhaps there were a few too many sideways passes, but they will be more expansive on home turf this evening. Talking of which, the smaller pitch size at Loftus Road should also give the hosts an extra edge, with the visitors more comfortable on the bigger playing surface at Stadium MK.

The visitors also have other priorities, with promotion their main aim, they have already played two games fewer than their main rivals, if they win those, they will be withing a point of the automatic promotion places. However, they play away to Notts County, Stevenage (6th), Huddersfield (3rd) and leaders Charlton, plus at home to Sheffield Wednesday (4th), all in the next 28 days, do they really need another game into the mix AND fall three games back, even if it is a glamour tie with the Blues ?

There are still two divisions between these clubs and with home advantage and a new coach desperate to kick start his reign, the shade of odds on quotes, look perfectly acceptable. QPR -0.5 ball 1.90 + asian line.


Good Luck.

No comments: