Birmingham v QPR predictions: Big chance for in-form Hoops to kick on

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Friday's Championship clash between Birmingham and QPR.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Football & Main Event, 8pm Friday

Best bet

QPR
1pt 2-1 Betfred

Team news

Birmingham
George Friend is fit after a two-month absence. Gary Gardner, Marc Roberts, Przemyslaw Placheta and Nico Gordon are out.

QPR
Stefan Johansen is fit but manager Mick Beale is not planning to rush back Chris Willock or Tyler Roberts.

Match preview

Mick Beale was on the verge of heading for the Midlands as the new manager of Wolves, but instead he travels up the M40 on Friday seeking to mastermind an away win for QPR at St Andrew's.

Beale, very much a man in demand, has decided to stay put in White City which is great news for QPR and spells danger for Birmingham.

The Hoops, on a run of five wins in six and playing so well, look a fair price to pick up the three points which would see them return to the top of the Championship table.

Birmingham will be a tougher nut to crack than many had envisaged at the start of term having been galvanised into a decent unit under John Eustace, who was a mainstay of the QPR coaching staff until Beale's arrival in the summer.

The Blues drew 1-1 with Burnley in their last home game and looked positive. And equally, they didn't play at all badly in their last match, a 2-1 loss at Blackburn.

They are going toe to toe with some good teams on a stretched squad which will need strengthening in January, if only to get the numbers up.

On the downside, Birmingham have managed just two wins in front of their own fans this season, whereas ace travellers QPR have registered four wins on the road.

Birmingham's other issue is that they don't score many goals – only Preston, Cardiff and Coventry have bagged fewer than them.

Key stat

Birmingham are the only Championship side yet to be trailing at half-time in a home game.

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