QPR vs Bournemouth Prediction: Cherries to ooze Premier League class in FA Cup clash

After a promising start to life at Queens Park Rangers, it's all started to go a bit pear-shaped for Hoops boss Marti Cifuentes, following a six-game winless run. It doesn't get any easier for the Spaniard and his charges on Saturday, when AFC Bournemouth visit Loftus Road in the FA Cup third round (KO, 15:00).

The Cherries are looking to right the wrongs of their last game, too, after a seven-game unbeaten run came to an end at Tottenham Hotspur last Sunday.

However, Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola will have been pleased with the spirited performance his side put in at one of the Premier League's toughest venues, and their comfortable standing in the league should enable them to attack this competition with vigour.

Team News

QPR have more pressing matters to deal with than a run in the cup, with the Hoops currently second-bottom of the Championship. However, there are eight days until their next fixture, and with their winless run in danger of extending over a month, Cifuentes may decide against wholesale changes.

Chris Willock and Steve Cook both missed the 2-1 defeat to Cardiff City on Monday, so it remains to be seen whether the duo will make the squad for Saturday. Jack Colback was also absent, despite Cifuentes previously targeting the Bluebirds game for his return.

Sinclair Armstrong, Osman Kakay and Albert Adomah are options if QPR opt to make alterations to the side.

Bournemouth's next game after Saturday isn't until January 21, so Iraola has few excuses to ring the changes in West London.

However, the Cherries do have a stronger squad this season, and the likes of Antoine Semenyo, Alex Scott, Max Aarons, Philip Billing and David Brooks - who all featured off the bench against Spurs - will all hope to be given a chance from the start against QPR.

Dango Ouattara has departed for Africa Cup of Nations duty with Burkina Faso, though, so a change is required at left-back. With Milos Kerkez and Lloyd Kelly still injured, Iraola could turn to 20-year-old Ben Greenwood, if he opts against moving Aarons or Adam Smith from the right.

Match Odds

QPR are 5/1 to shake off their poor form and win on Saturday against Bournemouth, who are heavy favourites at 4/9 to claim victory, while the draw, which would force a replay at the Vitality Stadium, can be found at 3/1.

Both teams to score is 4/5 and it's 4/6 for there to be over 2.5 goals.

Bournemouth to win and over 2.5 goals @ 23/20

30 places separate these sides in English football, and it's easy to see why when watching a glimpse of either. QPR have been teetering on the edge in the Championship for several years now, and after showing signs of promise under Cifuentes, the Hoops have fallen back into bad habits.

Bournemouth, on the other hand, have shown in the last two months that there is an identity at the south coast club under Iraola. The Cherries have beaten the likes of Newcastle United and Manchester United on their ascent to mid-table, and they will be targeting a lengthy run in the FA Cup this season, with Premier League survival already looking assured.

As well as racking up the wins in recent months, Bournemouth have made a habit of entertaining the masses - five of their seven victories since October 28 have seen at least three goals scored in the game. In fact, across 22 games in all competitions (excluding the abandoned match with Luton Town), there have been at least three goals on 16 occasions.

With QPR in disarray, goals could be on the agenda again on Saturday.

Bournemouth to score in both halves @ 6/5

The Cherries have scored in both halves in 35% (7/19) of their Premier League games this term, including five of their last seven.

QPR, meanwhile, have conceded in both halves in two of their last three games, and are likely to be vulnerable against an attack which could contain one of the country's most in-form strikers, Dominic Solanke.

Check out the rest of our Football Betting Tips here.

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