Queens Park Rangers v Derby County: Prediction, Tips and Odds

With John Eustace now at the helm, Derby County head to Queens Park Rangers for a Championship clash on Friday evening which holds great importance for both sides.

Eustace’s switch from play-off-chasing Blackburn Rovers to Derby has raised a few eyebrows, but the 45-year-old sees plenty of potential in his new club, who have long-term ambitions to eventually restore the top-flight status they lost in 2008.

However, their immediate priority is to preserve Championship status and they have work to do after failing to win any of their last nine league fixtures.

QPR were towards the lower end of the table in the early part of the season, but they have made plenty of progress over the winter months and have an outside chance of reaching the play-offs.

The Londoners lost 1-0 away to Coventry City on Wednesday to leave themselves six points outside the top six.

Queens Park Rangers v Derby County betting tips and predictions

Draw - 12/5

Derby have stopped the rot with draws away to Norwich City (1-1) and at home to Oxford United (0-0) over the last six days and can share the spoils with QPR in West London.

The Rams are competing in the second tier after two seasons in League One and are desperate to consolidate at the higher level.

Their owner, David Clowes, decided that a change of manager was needed to improve survival hopes and secured his top target by replacing Paul Warne with ex-County player Eustace.

Taking over a struggling side with less than a third of the season remaining is a tricky challenge for Eustace, but he has recent experience of a similar situation having steered Blackburn to safety towards the end of last term.

And he inherits a team which stands to benefit from making some astute signings towards the end of the transfer window.

Derby’s squad need freshening up and that has been achieved with permanent deals for centre-backs Matt Clarke and Sondre Langas and striker Lars-Jorgen Salvesen, as well as a loan move for Everton midfielder Harrison Armstrong.

All four players have quickly established themselves as important members of the squad.

Standards have improved, with Derby thoroughly deserving their draw away to Norwich last weekend and there is every chance of a similar result being achieved against QPR, who are going through a dip in performance.

QPR started the year with four straight victories, but have lost three of their last four matches and dropped back into the bottom half.

Marti Cifuentes’ side remain hopeful of at least securing a top-half finish, but they are up against an improving Rams side and might have to settle for a draw.

Lars-Jorgen Salvesen to score any time - 7/2

Derby’s lack of offensive quality let them down in the early months of the season, but they look better equipped for the remaining games thanks to the signing of Lars-Jorgen Salvesen.

The 28-year-old Norwegian has delivered some lively performances and scored in the 2-1 loss at Cardiff City.

Salvesen had an impressive scoring record for his former club, Viking, reaching double figures in each of the last two seasons, and he looks an overpriced 7/2 shot to notch against QPR.

Ebou Adams to be carded - 12/5

Energetic Derby midfielder Ebou Adams loves a tackle and has been a regular card recipient throughout his career.

Adams has received 43 cards (39 yellows and four reds) across 134 EFL appearances.

The 29-year-old Gambia international will eager to impress his new manager and the chances of him collecting another caution are strong enough to warrant a wager at 12/5.

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Queens Park Rangers v Derby County odds

Queens Park Rangers - 11/10
Draw - 12/5
Derby County - 12/5

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.