Queens Park Rangers vs Tottenham Predictions

Queens Park Rangers vs Tottenham predictions for this pre season clash. Queens Park Rangers and Tottenham Hotspur, both aiming to maintain perfect pre-season records, clash in a Loftus Road friendly. Read on for our free match preview and betting tips.

Club Friendlies | Jul 20, 2024 at 3pm UK

Queens Park Rangers vs Tottenham Predictions

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Will Tottenham’s Pre-Season Momentum Overwhelm QPR’s Ambitions?

As the pre-season heats up, Tottenham Hotspur are set to clash with Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road. Both teams come into this friendly fixture riding high on recent successes and aiming to maintain their perfect pre-season records. Spurs recently dismantled Hearts with a resounding 5-1 victory, while QPR humiliated Spanish fifth-tier side L’Escala 11-0 in their last outing. This encounter promises to be an intriguing battle, with both sides looking to build momentum ahead of their respective competitive seasons.

Match Preview

Tottenham Hotspur, under the stewardship of Ange Postecoglou, have shown significant promise in their pre-season fixtures. Their latest triumph, a 5-1 drubbing of Hearts, highlighted the team’s attacking prowess and depth in squad quality. Brennan Johnson opened the scoring for Spurs, and despite Hearts’ Lawrence Shankland equalising early in the second half, Spurs ran riot with goals from Mikey Moore, Will Lankshear, and Djed Spence, complemented by a Lewis Neilson own goal.

Postecoglou’s approach has been characterised by competitiveness and intensity, with the manager rotating his squad extensively to give opportunities to various players. With seven goals past Cambridge United in a behind-closed-doors match, Spurs appear to be in formidable form. Their upcoming clash with QPR will be their last friendly before embarking on a tour of Asia, where they will face Vissel Kobe, Team K-League, and Bayern Munich.

In contrast, QPR’s pre-season has also been impressive. Their 11-0 demolition of L’Escala saw eight different players score, with Ilias Chair netting a second-half hat-trick. Manager Marti Cifuentes has focused on high pressing and effective utilisation of squad depth, attributes that were on full display against the Spanish minnows. QPR have now won five straight games, including their last three Championship fixtures of the previous season, and will be keen to test themselves against a higher calibre of opposition in Tottenham.

Team News

Tottenham’s line-up against Hearts saw the absence of several key internationals, including Rodrigo Bentancur, Cristian Romero, and Giovani Lo Celso, among others. With these players still unlikely to feature, Postecoglou may continue to rely on his fringe players and new signings. Jamie Donley is expected to fill in at left-back due to ongoing injuries to Ben Davies and Destiny Udogie, while Richarlison’s fitness remains a concern.

QPR, meanwhile, had to make an early substitution in their last match due to Sam Field’s knock, though it was precautionary. Nineteen-year-old Lorent Talla also made an early exit, but without signs of a serious injury. Lyndon Dykes remains sidelined with an injury that kept him out of Euro 2024, while Chair, despite his off-field controversies, is expected to play a key role.

Expected Lineups

Queens Park Rangers Possible Starting XI: Nardi; Cannon, Cook, Clarke-Salter, Paal; Colback, Dixon-Bonner; Smyth, Andersen, Chair; Frey

Tottenham Hotspur Possible Starting XI: Austin; Porro, Gray, Phillips, Donley; Bissouma, Bergvall; Kulusevski, Maddison, Werner; Son

Key Areas of the Match and Player Duels

The midfield battle will be crucial in this encounter, with Tottenham’s James Maddison and QPR’s Ilias Chair likely to play pivotal roles. Maddison’s creativity and Chair’s recent goal-scoring form could be decisive. Additionally, Tottenham’s defensive structure, marshalled by Archie Gray, will be tested by QPR’s attacking threats, including Chair and Frey.

Gameplay Predictions

Tottenham are expected to dominate possession, leveraging their superior technical skills and experience. Their high-pressing game, combined with quick transitions, could expose QPR’s defensive frailties. Conversely, QPR will aim to disrupt Tottenham’s rhythm with their own pressing game, seeking to exploit any gaps left by Spurs’ adventurous full-backs.

Areas for Improvement and Strategic Critique

Tottenham’s defence, which conceded 61 goals in the Premier League last season, remains a concern. Despite their attacking flair, defensive lapses could be detrimental. Postecoglou needs to instil greater defensive solidity to complement their attacking prowess. Moreover, the frequent rotation of players might hinder the development of a cohesive starting XI.

QPR’s strategy of high pressing worked against lower-tier opposition but might backfire against a team of Tottenham’s calibre. Cifuentes must ensure his side are not overly exposed defensively, especially given Tottenham’s ability to exploit spaces quickly. Additionally, QPR need to improve their finishing, as relying on set pieces and counters alone might not suffice against top-tier teams.

Managerial Analysis

Ange Postecoglou’s tactical acumen has revitalised Tottenham, focusing on aggressive pressing and swift attacking transitions. However, his potential candidacy for the England job could be a distraction. Critically, his team’s defensive organisation needs enhancement, as conceding 61 goals last season illustrates vulnerability.

Marti Cifuentes has successfully implemented a high-pressing style at QPR, but his lack of experience at the top level could be a limiting factor. His team needs to show resilience and adaptability when facing stronger opponents, rather than merely relying on their offensive capabilities.

Predictions

Best Bet: Tottenham to Win and Both Teams to Score

Tottenham’s attacking prowess, coupled with their defensive vulnerabilities, makes this a compelling prediction. Spurs have shown a propensity to both score and concede goals, evident in their recent pre-season fixtures. QPR, despite facing a significant step up in competition, have demonstrated their goal-scoring abilities and are likely to find the net at home.

Correct Score Prediction: Tottenham 3-1 QPR

Given Tottenham’s attacking depth and QPR’s propensity to score, a 3-1 victory for Spurs seems plausible. Tottenham’s forwards, including Heung-min Son and James Maddison, are likely to capitalise on defensive lapses, while QPR’s high-pressing game might yield at least one goal against a Spurs defence that remains a work in progress.

Goalscorer Prediction: Heung-min Son to Score Anytime

Heung-min Son, Tottenham’s leading scorer last season with 17 goals, is expected to play a central role in this match. His pace, positioning, and finishing ability make him a constant threat. Given QPR’s defensive challenges, Son is well-placed to add to his pre-season tally.

Corner Prediction: Tottenham to Win More Corners and Total Over 10.5 Corners

Tottenham’s attacking style and possession dominance are likely to result in more corners. Spurs averaged 6.2 corners per game last season, and their high attacking output should see them earn multiple corners. Combined with QPR’s attempts to press and counter, the total number of corners in the match is expected to exceed 10.5.

Innovative Market Prediction: Over 2.5 Tottenham Shots on Target by James Maddison

James Maddison, known for his creativity and shooting ability, is likely to be at the centre of Tottenham’s attacking efforts. With Spurs expected to dominate possession, Maddison will have numerous opportunities to test the QPR goalkeeper. An over 2.5 shots on target prediction for Maddison is a logical choice given his role and form.

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