Shot shy QPR and Cardiff decent value to draw Championship clash

Since their Premier League campaign ended in relegation, QPR have failed to score in two outings this term. Next opponents Cardiff City, meanwhile, have relied solely on winger Craig Noone to find the target so far.

This makes a 0-0 result at Loftus Road an awesome 8/1 shout with Coral and, given the lack of goals in both sides, begs the question why Sky Sports have opted to make this their televised Saturday teatime kick-off?

History narrowly favours the Hoops, who have 26 wins in league fixtures to the Bluebirds’ 24 and 11 draws (9/4 for the spoils to be shared again). Chris Ramsey needs victory as much as someone to score, and is 11/10 to get it against the Welsh capital club.

Russell Slade, whose management of Cardiff leaves a lot to be desired so far, is an 11/4 outsider to secure three points in west London. His defence, which contains former Hoops player Matthew Connolly, will have to contain Charlie Austin, provided the £15m-rated striker can prove his fitness. Being doubtful through niggles only strengthens the shout of a no score draw.

Should Austin pass a fitness test, then a matchday special wincast of 3/1 (max stake £20) looks worthy of consideration, and there is an air of inevitability about a Premier League club coming in for the England call-up. Cynics may have a point, though, when they say QPR will take no chances with their prized asset.

Jamie Mackie’s absence through a groin problem leaves the Hoops scoring burden squarely on the shoulders of ex-Arsenal forward Jay Emmanuel-Thomas and winger Matt Phillips, twice capped by Scotland.