An intriguing London derby awaits in the third round of the FA Cup as West Ham welcome QPR to the London Stadium on Sunday afternoon. It is Premier League against Championship, but that does not tell the full story of what could be an entertaining battle.
Indeed, West Ham are under serious threat of relegation, while QPR are pushing for promotion. Both clubs could end up swapping divisions come the end of the season!
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West Ham vs QPR prediction: Hoops to further damage Hammers?
Key stats
- West Ham are winless in 10 games in total.
- QPR have scored in each of their last 11 matches.
- The previous 12 H2Hs have seen three or fewer goals scored.
Correct score prediction: West Ham 1-2 QPR
Given West Ham's horrid form, we feel happy to back an upset here. A London derby as well, visitors QPR will be well up for it.
Pre-game odds and win probability: West Ham favourites with bookmakers
- HOME: 4/7 (1.57) – 63.6%
- DRAW: 16/5 (4.20) – 23.8%
- AWAY: 17/4 (5.25) – 19.0%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
As shown by the implied probabilities, West Ham have been installed as the favourites with bookmakers to claim victory on home soil and thus progress into the next round of the competition. A draw after normal time can still be backed at just under 24%, while a QPR win is rated at 19%.
Also, feel free to check out our dedicated Today’s betting tips page for more of our expert FA Cup predictions.
Most recent H2Hs: West Ham hold upper hand
West Ham are unbeaten over the previous five H2Hs, but have interestingly only won one of the last three meetings between the two sides. QPR could take some encouragement from that.
West Ham preview: Wan-Bissaka returns
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has returned from Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) duty after his national team DR Congo were knocked out. However, El Hadji Malick Diouf is still unavailable as he continues in the tournament with Senegal.
Predicted lineup: Hermansen (GK); Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Julio, Scarles; Fernandes, Potts; Bowen, Paqueta, Summerville & Castellanos
Last five results:
- West Ham 1-2 Nottingham Forest
- Wolves 3-0 West Ham
- West Ham 2-2 Brighton
- West Ham 0-1 Fulham
- Manchester City 3-0 West Ham
QPR preview: A few concerns
There are a few injury concerns in the squad for QPR after their last match. Indeed, Rumarn Burrell, Kwame Poku and Jonathan Varane are all doubts.
Predicted lineup: Nardi (GK); Mbengue, Dunne, Cook, Norrington-Davies; Dembele, Madsen, Field, Smyth; Kolli & Kone
Last five results:
- QPR 3-0 Sheffield Wednesday
- QPR 1-2 Norwich
- West Brom 2-1 QPR
- Portsmouth 1-1 QPR
- QPR 4-1 Leicester
Player to watch: Taty Castellanos
West Ham worked quickly to sign Taty Castellanos from Lazio early in the January transfer window, hoping that he could get them out of trouble. After making his debut in defeat to Nottingham Forest last time out, the striker will be hoping to make his mark against QPR, which could help build confidence for him to perform in the Premier League.