QPR – Newcastle, Monday 12 Sep 21h (CET)

“Our season starts now!”

Queens Park returned to the top flight after 15 years, but suffered worst possible start losing heavily at home against Bolton (0-4 at home). In next game shocked Everton on the road (1-0) and after that, in one weird game where they were actually better side lost after two superb long-shots by Franco Di Santo (Wigan 0-2). Meanwhile, club got a new ambitious chairman (actual is his intention to bring Beckham in the club when his contract with LA Galaxy expires) who started with spending and manager Neil Warnock stated that the game against Newcastle is new beginning of the season. In the last days of transfer market, six new faces arrived at Loftus Road. The most interesting will be to see “bad boy”, Joey Barton, debuting against his former club. Beside him, new Rangers became Anton Ferdinand, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Jason Puncheon, Luke Young and Armand Traore. In my opinion, enough quality to avoid relegation. Defender, Clint Hill, returns after suspension and DJ Campbell has recovered from a virus.

Pardew remains optimistic

Oppositely from the hosts, the Toon made a very good (and pretty unexpected) start of the season, best since 1995. At the opening day, they surprised the Gunners and grabbed a point (0-0 at home). Then defeated their arch rivals in a Tyne-Wear derby (Sunderland, away 1-0) and Fulham at home with a routine performance. However, manager Alan Pardew had an idea to reinvest 35 mill pounds that they received from the transfer of Andy Carroll to Liverpool. Unfortunately for him, club’s owner Mike Ashley doesn’t share his vision and Pardew eventually had to be satisfied with only two new players. Gabriel Obertan was rejected at Old Trafford, while from Inter Milan has arrived David Santon, young Italian star. However, my impression is they seriously lack in quality. They lost Carroll in attack (last winter), Barton in midfield and Jose Enrique in defence. Ashley has announced some buying in January, but it sounds more like promising a candy to a baby. Newcastle are unbeaten in the last four games against QPR, winning three of those.

Low scoring affair?

Hosts have scored only one goal in four games this season, visitors in four conceded only twice. Naturally books have offered some ridiculous price for under 2.5. Other thing is this game is with TV coverage, those game statistically produce more goals. My intention is to back Queens Park since I feel they have potential for more than they recently have been showing, while Newcastle will start losing positions very soon. Man to watch, Adel Taraabt.

Recommended bet:

QPR to win @ 2.50 (Paddy Power)

Other bet:

Adel Taarabt anytime goalscorer @ 4.10 (Unibet)