West Brom v QPR: Formation change will see Hughes rewarded

Mark Hughes is rapidly approaching ‘must-win’ territory, despite the campaign being only six games old and with fixtures against Everton and Arsenal to follow this trip to West Brom, the Baggies represent the best chance of relieving pressure.

The 16/5 that says they’ll triumph, however, suggests the size of the task on their hands at the Hawthorns.

With no win and 12 goals conceded so far, the R’s problems are rooted in their incorrect formation selection, which leaves them too open at the back. If Hughes adopts a 4-3-3, they stand a chance of getting something from the Baggies, who were outclassed by a Liverpool second-string in the Capital One Cup playing the same way.

Adel Taarabt and Junior Hoilett have the pace and creative spark to thrive in this system, if given the chance. The pair are priced up at 9/1 to break the deadlock in this one and the 9/4 available for Bobby Zamora to notch at any time has potential to be a shrewd investment.

Yet, even if they do make this change in formation, their defensive frailties won’t be eradicated overnight. West Brom have been strong at home this year too, scoring six in three league games.

This would suggest that the game will produce more than 2.5 goals, which can be backed at 5/6, while both teams to score is an enticing 4/6.

If you fancy QPR to pull off an unlikely positive result in the west Midlands, the best bet on offer is an away win or draw with more than three goals scored in the game, which can be backed at 3/1.

All odds and markets accurate as of publication’s time and date