Dan Fitch is backing QPR to have too much for Leyton Orient in this EFL Cup first round tie, but he thinks that the underdogs may find the net.
Leyton Orient 3.814/5 v QPR 2.01/1; The Draw 3.711/4
Wednesday 11 August, 19:45
Live on Sky Sports Football
Orient have held London giants to draws
Leyton Orient host a London derby in the EFL Cup first round, when they take on QPR.
Kenny Jackett took over as manager of the club in May. It was something of a coup for Orient to recruit a manager who has spent the majority of his career in the Championship and so far the signs suggest that they have made a great appointment.
In pre-season Leyton Orient held both West Ham and Spurs to home draws, before rounding off their preparations with wins over Maidenhead and Gillingham. On Saturday, their League Two campaign got off to a positive start, when they drew 1-1 away at the promotion favourites Salford City.
Leyton Orient finished eleventh in League Two last season, but with Jackett in charge they are now rated as a contender for promotion at 4.3100/30. It’s been a busy summer at Brisbane Road, with Orient having so far brought in eight new players.
Notable scalps for QPR in pre-season
QPR have been even busier than Leyton Orient, with the west London club having added eleven new recruits over the close season.
These signings include Sam Field and Charlie Austin, who were both on loan at the club from West Brom last season. Another notable purchase is that of Andre Dozzell from Ipswich. Dozzell followed in the footsteps of his father Jason when he made his debut for Ipswich at 16-years old. Now 22, Dozzell has represented England at U20 level.
Pre-season could hardly have gone better for Mark Warbutton’s team. Unbeaten in four matches (W3 D1), QPR enjoyed a 4-2 win over Manchester United and a 3-3 draw with Leicester.
At the weekend, QPR’s Championship season began with a 1-1 draw at home to Millwall. QPR finished ninth last season and could provide some value at 8.07/1 to be promoted.
QPR’s class should tell
QPR are the favourites at 2.01/1, with the draw at 3.711/4 and a Leyton Orient win out at 3.814/5.
With two divisions between the clubs, there could be value in backing QPR’s class to tell at odds of evens. Leyton Orient’s start to the season suggests that they will be competitive in this match, but QPR have enjoyed a great pre-season themselves and are scoring regularly.
QPR keep conceding despite positive form
Over 2.5 goals at 1.794/5 is a better bet than both teams to score at just 1.664/6. All four of QPR’s friendlies before the season, saw at least three goals scored.
A QPR win and over 2.5 goals is priced at 3.02/1, while an away victory and both teams to score is 3.7511/4, which may be tempting for those that want a little more value in a QPR win. As good as QPR’s summer has been, they have conceded in all four of their pre-season matches and also in their first competitive game against Millwall.
The veteran QPR striker Austin was substituted after 68 minutes at the weekend and replaced by Dozzell, so he should be fresh enough to start. Austin added eight goals to his QPR tally last season, in what is his second spell at the club. In total, he has scored 56 goals for QPR in 111 appearances and you can back him to add to his tally at 2.757/4.
Source: BetFair Tips
