Hughes factor suggests QPR can top divisional handicap table
Published:The divisional handicap table gives the lesser clubs in the Premier League a chance to finish the season top of the table and QPR seem best equipped to gain this accolade in the upcoming campaign at 16/1.
It is all about exceeding expectation in the divisional handicap table, with each team given a specific handicap to begin the season with based on their assessed ability.
So for the upcoming campaign, champions Manchester City start from scratch, Arsenal are given a 12-point head start and QPR a major 37 points.
Southampton are considered to be the worst team in the Premier League this season as they begin with 42 points on the board.
The champions at the end of the season are the team that have the highest combined score from both their final points total in the Premier League added to their handicap.
Mark Hughes has gathered solid Premier League managerial experience through five completed seasons in the top flight and during these campaigns at Blackburn, Manchester City and Fulham, has always finished in the top half of the final table.
His first full season at QPR beckons and Hughes has been busy in the transfer market strengthening his squad from that which only survived relegation on the final day of the last campaign.
Rob Green has arrived to play in goal, Ryan Nelsen brings some defensive experience, Park Ji-Sung will have learnt a lot from his seven years at Manchester United and Junior Hoilett will add some midfield creativity.
There is every reason to suggest that QPR can surpass the 50-point mark this season, which would ensure a divisional handicap total of approximately 90.
QPR’s fellow Londoners Arsenal also look worthy of consideration at 12/1, as the signings of Santi Cazorla and Lukas Podolski in particular suggest they will go closer to winning the Premier League title than last season, especially if Robin Van Persie also stays.
Team Handicaps
Manchester City (Scratch)
Manchester Utd (+2)
Chelsea (+5)
Arsenal (+12)
Tottenham (+15)
Liverpool (+17)
Newcastle (+20)
Everton (+24)
Aston Villa (+30)
Sunderland (+32)
Fulham (+34)
QPR (+37)
Stoke City (+37)
West Brom (+38)
Reading (+40)
Swansea (+42)
Norwich (+42)
West Ham (+42)
Wigan (+42)
Southampton (+44)
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
