QPR liveliest outsiders for FA Cup glory if enjoying rejuvenated 2013

QPR have already provided one monumental upset in 2013 by taking three points from Stamford Bridge and 66/1 appears a price well worthy of consideration that they lift this season’s FA Cup.

Looking at some of the longer prices in the FA Cup odds, QPR clearly stand out as one of the better value options if a new year brings about a turnaround in fortunes.

Manager Harry Redknapp stated after the Chelsea triumph that the atmosphere in the dressing room is changing for the better and this only bodes well ahead of a pivotal few months.

QPR are still five points from Premier League safety and escaping the bottom three will obviously be their number one ambition.

However, the FA Cup will present a welcome distraction and Middlesbrough in 1997 and Birmingham in 2011 have previously shown that teams struggling for league form can embark on memorable cup runs in seasons when they were also relegated.

Furthermore, the cup will allow some of the squad players at QPR a first-team opportunity that they would allow them to prove their worth to Redknapp ahead of the league run-in.

Redknapp himself has previous for carrying an underdog to FA Cup victory, guiding Portsmouth to the trophy in 2008.

Meanwhile, the current transfer window provides the opportunity to bring in numerous new faces for Redknapp to strengthen his capable squad in areas where they are weaker.

There are certainly grounds to believe that QPR will experience some kind of rejuvenation in 2013 and West Brom stand in their way in the third round of the FA Cup.

The Baggies have done the double over QPR in the Premier League this season, including a 2-1 win at Loftus Road on Boxing Day, but they have lost their last two.

Victory is by no means assured, but QPR are slight favourites at 6/4 to beat West Brom this time and a few beneficial draws could easily see them in the latter stages of the competition.

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