The Hawthorns will host a make-or-break Championship match this Saturday as West Bromwich Albion welcome Queens Park Rangers. With the playoff fight intensifying, West Brom are eager to grab the sixth spot, whereas QPR wish to snap a troubling streak of away losses. The hosts are unbeaten at home, having lost only two times this season, whereas QPR's away plight is in clear view, having lost three consecutive away games. The two sides are looking to bounce back from recent defeats, which adds to the game's significance.
West Brom's recent form and previous dominance of QPR show that they are in a better position. The Baggies have lost none of their previous five home matches against QPR, and they dominated their last match with a 2-0 win. Overall, West Brom have won 17 of the last 35 matches, compared to nine wins by QPR. With three goals on average in this game, supporters could be in for the ride of their lives. However, QPR's previous victory at The Hawthorns was back in 2015, and this demonstrates the task facing them.
The outcome can probably be decided by key players. West Brom's Josh Maja, the team's leading scorer with 12 goals, is always a danger, particularly in his own backyard, where the team averages 1.32 goals per match. Meanwhile, QPR will be looking to Michael Frey, their top scorer with six goals, although his form away from home has not been so good. Ilias Chair's creativity in midfield could be the difference if QPR are finally going to get over their away-day blues, though they must contend with a West Brom defence that has been playing well at home.
A win for West Brom would strengthen their playoff claim. QPR need a result to bring back some confidence. With high stakes and reversed form, this game might be the catalyst as the Championship nears conclusion.
West Bromwich Albion - Queens Park Rangers Key Facts
West Bromwich Albion have registered a good record at home versus Queens Park Rangers, remaining undefeated in their last five encounters at The Hawthorns. This speaks highly of them and makes them the favourites for this match.
Queens Park Rangers do not have much form currently as they have lost their last three away matches in the Championship. This indicates their lack of belief in themselves and makes them the punters' risk.
Historically, West Bromwich Albion have won 17 of the last 35 encounters they have had against Queens Park Rangers, with an overall goal difference of 64-45 in their favor. This figure again indicates their supremacy in this match.
Betting Predictions
Primary Bet: Home Win @ 8/11
West Bromwich Albion's home superiority and overall superiority against Queens Park Rangers justify a home win as the outright choice. The Baggies have taken 9 of their previous 17 home games against QPR and are also unbeaten in their previous 5 meetings at The Hawthorns. West Brom have been a team to be feared at home this season, collecting 8 wins, 7 draws, and 2 losses. QPR, on the other hand, have been struggling away from home with all 3 of their previous Championship matches away from home lost. With QPR's ongoing bad run and West Brom's solidity, the odds of 73/100 for a home win are great value.
Secondary Bet: Over 2.5 Goals @ 11/10
The second over 2.5 goals bet is also well-backed by previous and recent scoring trends. Matches between these two sides average 3 goals per game, with 2-2 also being a frequent score, which indicates their tendency to play high-scoring matches. West Brom score 1.32 goals per home match, and QPR contribute 0.85 goals per away match, adding to the likelihood of more than one goal. With a calculated probability of 72.3% and a price of 11/10, this market provides a good opportunity for punters seeking extra value.
Editorial Pick: Adam Armstrong to score anytime @ 15/8
In the absence of the injured Josh Maja, Southampton loanee Adam Armstrong will be the biggest threat for the home side up top and we expect him to score at some point during this one.
