QPR host Birmingham City in the Championship on Tuesday night as they make the quick turnaround from weekend action.
QPR come into their midweek clash with Birmingham City out for a fourth win in five games after another victory on Saturday. The R’s capitalised on some shoddy West Brom defending to run out 3-1 winners at Loftus Road.
Jonathan Varane opened the scoring just before the interval and summer hit Rumarn Burrell scored his eighth and ninth goals of the campaign in the second half.
The Hoops now sit 10th in the Championship table, two points off the play-offs. Julien Stephan will be eager to carry this form into the hectic festive fixture schedule.
Image courtesy of: PETER CZIBORRA/REUTERS.
As for Birmingham City, their recent momentum was stunted by Southampton. The Blues were beaten 3-1 by the Saints, succumbing to a goal from Finn Azaz and a brace from Adam Armstrong.
Demarai Gray maintained his individual form with a second-half goal, but the damage was done early on as they saw a three-game unbeaten stretch end.
Nonetheless, City still sit in a solid 8th place. They are level on points with upcoming opponents QPR, so will see this as a good chance to move clear of one of the play-off chasing pack.
Birmingham City – Championship table
Here, a handful of our writers make their predictions for the game…
James Ray
“This is going to be an intriguing match to keep an eye on. QPR might have been unpredictable this season but they’re in some solid form of late and will be happy to be back on home turf so quickly after their weekend showing.
“They’ve got a good chance of getting a result here too. Birmingham City’s away record is pretty shocking, winning just two and losing six of their 10 league matches on the road this campaign.
Image courtesy of: ANDREW BOYERS/REUTERS.
“That said, the R’s have shown defensive frailties this season. Chris Davies will feel his side have the quality to exploit them, especially with the likes of Jay Stansfield and the in-form Demarai Gray.
“Ultimately though, City have been too soft on the road. Up against another side capable of punishing that, I think we’ll get a draw that proves entertaining for the neutral.”
Prediction: QPR 2-2 Birmingham City
Harry Mail
“QPR have won their last two home games on the spin against Hull City and West Brom. They will fancy their chances of another one on Tuesday night.
“The Hoops have lost only once in their last five matches and will be in confident mood. They are only two points off the play-offs.
“Birmingham City have struggled for consistency since their promotion. BCFC can’t seem to string a set of wins together.
“The Blues have quality in their squad though and are a match for anyone on their day. However, I can see them slumping to another loss in London.”
Prediction: QPR 2-1 Birmingham City