Arsenal vs QPR betting

Arsenal: League Position: 5th, League Form: WWLWD

Arsenal can never be considered a banker of the weekend however well they are playing. Having stormed back into top four contention, they then struggled at home against Wolves on Tuesday, eventually ending in a 1-1 draw.

Another worrying poser for Arsenal backers is whether Arsene Wenger will look to rest top goal scorer Robin Van Persie here, what with having played Tuesday and another game coming midweek. The Dutchman has been key for them this year, and is two goals short of the Premier League record for goals in a calendar year. It would be harsh on him to deny the chance of that record, but the bigger picture could overrule that.

That Wolves draw was only the third game at home Arsenal have not taken maximum points from, losing to Liverpool earlier on in the season and a surprise draw last month against Fulham.

QPR: League Position: 16th, League Form: DLLLD

QPR have not won a game since the 19^th November, are bottom of the form table and are now only three points clear of the relegation places. A promising start is looking lost, and a trip to Arsenal is not exactly what they need.

Ten points from a possible 39 is the kind of form we are looking at for Neil Warnock’s QPR, and they have not been looking like scoring the goals to win many games. They have only scored 18 goals in the 18 Premier League games this season, while they have conceded 17 goals away from home, and were probably not expecting Heidar Helguson to have provided seven of those having brought in DJ Campbell and Jay Bothroyd over the summer.

They can take heart from their away performances at Swansea, but for a while in that game were all at sea against their fast, short passing game. If any team can do that better it’s their next opposition.

Match Prediction: Arsenal Win – 1.3 Victor Chandler

Even with Arsenal squandering the chance of victory against Wolves on Tuesday at The Emirates it is hard to see any other outcome than a home win. QPR are on a dreadful run of form, whereas Arsene Wenger’s men are pushing their way back into the top four positions. They were unlucky not to win, with Wolves ‘keeper Hennessey in fine form and chances wasted. With QPR struggling to score and Arsenal still creating chances, the lax defence the promoted Rangers will put up against their attacking might may offer even more opportunities for goals.

The only positives for QPR come in the shape of Heidar Helguson. Arsenal are famous for struggling with physical front men who dominate in the air. That has been Helguson all over this season, and how Arsenal deal with him will be very important. With Alex Song on form and Adel Taarabt not, the Moroccan will be denied space to invent. Shaun Wright-Phillips’ inconsistent delivery will need to be at its best, as will that of Joey Barton. If the former is on top of his game then Arsenal’s full back injuries could be a concern, but a team struggling to score and defend will be undone by Arsenal away.

Highlighted Bets:-

Over/Under: Over 2.5 Goals – 1.62 BoyleSports

First Goalscorer: Gervinho – 6.5 Coral

Correct Score: 3-1 Arsenal – 11.00 Bet 365

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