Brentford v QPR: Sky Bet Championship preview, free tip, prediction and analysis

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Brentford v QPR in the Sky Bet Championship.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Football, 12.30pm Saturday

Best bet

Brentford
1pt 4-6 general
Back this tip with Coral

Team news

Brentford
The Bees are still without long-term absentee Nikos Karelis.

QPR
Centre-back Yoann Barbet remains sidelined through injury but Angel Rangel is fit.

Match preview

Data disciple Mark Warburton is a hostage to analytics but there’s only one piece of incontrovertible evidence which should concern the QPR boss on his return to Griffin Park - his team concede far too many goals.

The former Brentford boss is a live and die by the sword kind of a manager, so will naturally be chuffed to bits that his free-flowing outfit have kicked off 2020 by banging in 11 goals in two games.

Scoring has not been a problem for the Hoops – only West Brom have bagged more than them in the Sky Bet Championship - their issues lie at the other end of the pitch.

Only the bottom two have let in more than goals than the 48 conceded by QPR this term. They look an accident waiting to happen when they don't have the ball and Brentford’s BMW strike-force can drive a coach and horses through a rearguard crying out for the return of Yoann Barbet.

The Bees front three of Said Benrahma, Bryan Mbeumo and 17-goal top scorer Ollie Watkins have developed a special understanding and look a constant threat.

But they are only half the reason why Brentford have vaulted up to third place in the table. They are also superbly drilled at the back, something manager Thomas Frank made his priority from day one at the club.

Pontus Jansson has proved an inspired signing from Leeds, as did Ethan Pinnock from Barnsley, while Christian Norgaard’s Serie A experience helps to hold everything together in midfield.

Brentford won 3-1 at Loftus Road in October and can complete a double over their neighbours.

Key stat

QPR top scorer Nahki Wells has only one away league goal in the last 13 months.

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