There are just two Premier League games on Sunday but there’s plenty at stake as Mark Hughes takes charge of QPR for the first time against Newcastle while Arsenal hope to maintain their bid for a top-four place with a win at Swansea.
Newcastle v QPR
The Hughes era at Rangers gets underway at the Sports Direct Arena in what is a stiff test for the R’s and their new boss.
Hughes said in his press conference this week that he had initially been impressed with what he had seen from his new charges in training and he believes he has a good squad at his disposal at Loftus Road that can definitely avoid relegation.
The new boss is expected to be handed significant funds and he is already close to landing defender Alex from Chelsea while several other targets have been identified.
More quality to compliment the likes of Joey Barton, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Adel Taarabt is needed but Hughes can get the best out of them and, with some additions, QPR can become a mid-table side.
A trip to the north east first up is a difficult test but expect ‘new manager syndrome’ to kick in with the Rangers players all desperate to impress and prove they have a future at the club. With that in mind, the visitors can claim a draw in this one at 13/5.
Newcastle (4/5 to win) have continued to exceed expectations this season and the stunning 3-0 win over champions Manchester United recently proved Alan Pardew has a squad to be reckoned with, and European football can be secured.
However, the Magpies are without top-scorer Demba Ba and influential midfielder Cheik Tiote so they are weakened for this clash. It all points to a lively clash and expect an entertaining draw – go for 2-2 at 14/1 in the correct score market.
Swansea v Arsenal
Arsenal’s recovery from a poor start this season has been impressive and the recent return of legend Thierry Henry has added to the feelgood factor at the Emirates.
A top-four place is well within the Gunners’ grasp once again this season and they should have enough to claim all three points at Swansea (Arsenal 8/11, Swansea 4/1, draw 11/4).
Henry made the perfect return when netting the winner within minutes of coming on in the FA Cup third-round win over Leeds on Monday and he is again expected to be on the bench to make an impact if boss Arsene Wenger needs him in the second half. In fact, he looks a good bet at 3/2 to score anytime in this one.
The Swans are another club to have exceeded expectations so far this season but you sense, like Blackpool 12 months ago, they are now entering the key phase of the campaign and need to maintain their form if they are to avoid getting dragged into a relegation scrap.
Brendan Rodgers has made an astute loan capture in bringing youngster Josh McEachran to the Liberty Stadium from Chelsea and they have impressed at home so far in the top flight, losing just once in Wales all season – against Manchester United.
However, they face an Arsenal side determined not to slip up in their pursuit of fourth and this looks likely to be a narrow away win. Take 0-1 in the correct score market at 6/1.
Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.