Stoke vs QPR: Expect visitors to avoid defeat at Britannia

QPR were seen as more than unlucky not to get a result against table-toppers Manchester City in their most recent Premier League game, but they can at least secure a point from their trip to out-of-form Stoke.

The Britannia Stadium has previously been identified as one of the toughest grounds to visit in the Premier League, but it has been no fortress of late.

Stoke have lost their last two at home and their last three fixtures in total to undo the good start they initially made to the campaign.

They will hope to end their stumbling form against QPR and the potential returns of influential duo Ryan Shawcross and Matthew Etherington should help their cause.

Stoke are 4/5 to beat QPR and a victory would see them move above their opponents in the standings and potentially back into the top half of the Premier League table.

However, with Stoke slightly lacking in confidence, QPR will feel that a third away win of the season is there for the taking.

It is 7/2 that QPR return to London with the three points and 5/2 that they secure a first away draw of the campaign.

But perhaps the best bet may prove the 1/1 on the double chance that QPR either win or draw at Stoke.

In terms of goals, Heidar Helguson has taken his opportunity well since being handed a spot in the QPR first team.

He has found the target in three of his four starts this season in the top flight and he is 7/1 to break the deadlock and 9/4 to net inside the 90 minutes.

With so many of Stoke’s goals coming from set plays, it makes sense to look for value with their defenders to strike.

Robert Huth is a towering presence in the air and 16/1 may prove lucrative that he is the game’s first goalscorer, while Shawcross may also represent value in the same market at 20/1 should he overcome his muscle strain to feature.