Before the start of the season I firmly believed West Ham would struggle due to how they finished last season and the long term injury to Andy Carroll. I have been surprised with how Sam Allardyce has altered their style of play in such a short space of time but it’s paying dividends in an attacking sense, managing 10 goals from their first six games. It’s at the other end where Allardyce will be less pleased, however, conceding the same amount. Both teams have scored in their last five Premier League games. As much as he had a directive from the board to play in a more entertaining manner, he will not sacrifice results and staying in the Premier League for it, so I expect over him to find a better balance over the next few weeks.
It’s been a struggle for QPR since returning to the Premier League through the play-offs. They currently sit bottom of the table having managed just four points from their first six games. Their only win came at home to Sunderland whilst their only other point was also gained at Loftus Road. Their away from has been pretty wretched with three straight losses against Spurs, Man United and Southampton. They have conceded 10 goals in those games, managing just one. They will take some heart from last week’s display at St Mary’s but it was another defeat and they have to find a way to stop conceding the first goal as they’re not a side built to chase games, especially on their travels.
West Ham will be expected to take their game to their opponents on Sunday so a lot of emphasis will be on the Stewart Downing who has been played in a more advanced central role this season. His ability to retain possession and create openings for his team-mates has been a real strength of the Hammers play. It allows the power of Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho to come to the fore and trouble the opposition’s defence in the penalty box – which has been the source of the majority of their goals.
Charlie Austin is responsible for half of QPR’s four league goals which is illustrative of how much of a struggle it has been for them in the early stages. Promoted teams often find that scoring goals is the hardest part of the step-up from the Championship and that has proven to be the case. With Austin, however, it’s clear that if you can get him the service then he has the ability to score goals at this level. That will be the challenge throughout the season, though, getting the necessary quality to him.
It’s another London derby and one which is extra significant for Harry Redknapp as he takes on a club he both played for and managed. I can’t see this being a happy return, however, as West Ham have been impressive in recent weeks, even in defeat at Old Trafford. They have plenty of attacking threat and it should prove too much for a QPR side who have looked vulnerable on the road.
West Ham 10/11 @ Ladbrokes
