QPR v Sunderland: Redknapp signing of the summer set to strike
Published:Harry Redknapp’s QPR have found life back in the Premier League dreadfully difficult after two fixtures, but the rock-bottom Super Hoops will fancy their chances of getting off the mark for the campaign when they host Sunderland in the capital this weekend.
Here are our three best bets for the clash of the stripes.
Draw @ 9/4
Gus Poyet’s Black Cats are unbeaten in three all-competition games this season, but have drawn both of their Premier League fixtures so far, with a sole win coming last time out in the Capital One Cup away to Birmingham.
They’ll be hopeful of a first three-point haul in 2014/15 at Loftus Road, but Redknapp’s side will be desperate to halt a three-game losing streak in front of their own fans.
The R’s were wretched when losing 4-0 at Tottenham and Redknapp sent out an understrength side at Burton in the Capital One Cup, which goes some way to explaining that 1-0 loss.
However, they weren’t half as bad in their only home fixture so far this term – the 1-0 defeat against Hull – and with big hitters such as Rob Green, Steven Caulker and Loic Remy well-rested after sitting out the midweek match, it all adds up to a draw.
Sebastian Larsson to score the first goal @ 16/1
The Sweden international may have only struck 10 times in 103 Premier League appearances for Sunderland, but he’s already off the mark for the season after notching a late equaliser on the opening day at West Brom and – crucially – Larsson takes free kicks.
He wasn’t far off bagging from a deadball situation at home to Manchester United last time out, so 16/1 on the midfielder breaking the deadlock in west London screams value.
Eduardo Vargas anytime goal @ 11/5
Redknapp looks to have pulled off quite the coup with this Chilean capture, as Vargas has struck four times in five international appearances this year, including the opener in La Roja’s 2-0 win against Spain at the World Cup.
The loanee from Napoli struck on home debut at Valencia in February, one of five Vargas bagged in his first 17 appearances for the Mediterranean coast club, with whom he spent the second half of last term.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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