QPR v Newcastle

Joey Barton will be centre of attention when he makes his QPR debut against the team he recently left in acrimonious circumstances, Newcastle, on Monday night. It looks like a difficult game to call between two sides who have raised eyebrows with several results already this term.

The Hoops had a surprisingly inauspicious return to life in the top flight when they were hammered 4-0 at home to Bolton on the opening day. However, the 1-0 win that swiftly followed at Goodison Park was similarly unexpected. The Toon Army have had a series of well-documented off-field issues, but Alan Pardew’s side have exceeded expectations on the park. Seven points from three games is a great return, the 1-0 success at the Stadium of Light being the obvious highlight.

But in the two weeks since either side played a match, the moods within the respective camps must have shifted in opposite directions. QPR were buoyed by six new signings in the final week of the transfer window following the installment of Tony Fernandez as the new owner. In sharp contrast, the transfer period ended without Mike Ashley investing any significant part of the £35m received for Andy Carroll back in January. The natives at St James’s Park are consequently as restless as ever.

With this in mind I feel QPR are primed to get their season started at Loftus Road by taking all three points at a best price of 6/4 with VictorChandler. Neil Warnock can expect Barton to be at his most motivated, but Shaun Wright-Phillips and Luke Young should make impacts of their own. With Clint Hill and DJ Campbell both back from suspension and illness respectively, all the omens are good for the hosts. There is also the small matter of Adel Taarabt who must be itching to play a starring role in the Premier League after excelling throughout the last campaign.

Alan Pardew has defied the unhappiness around the club up till now, but this could be one of his sternest tests yet. A draw at home to Arsenal doesn’t look as impressive now given the Gunners’ struggles and the derby win was against a Sunderland side who are also labouring more than expected. In contrast, QPR are a side on the up and this could be the day when it all starts to go wrong on the pitch for Newcastle.