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The Times - November 17, 2006- Go with Hoops to spring a surprise
football by andy stephens
Resurgent Queens Park Rangers look worth a small bet to surprise Cardiff City in their Coca-Cola Championship clash at Ninian Park tonight, a match being shown live on Sky Sports 1.
At first glance, it is easy to see why the bookmakers make Cardiff as short as a best-priced 4-6 to bag another success. The Bluebirds have not lost at home all season and are three points clear at the top. By contrast, QPR have won only five of their 17 fixtures and languish in the bottom half.
However, recent events suggest that the visiting team are overpriced at a general 9-2.
Cardiff have shown signs of slowing up in their past five matches; losing away to Colchester United and Norwich City and dropping two points at home to Derby County.
QPR had a torrid start to the season but their fortunes have been much improved since John Gregory took over as manager in late September.
Since his appointment, the London club have lost only twice in nine fixtures and have featured in some thrilling encounters. These include 3-3 draws with both Norwich and West Bromwich Albion, while recent wins over Crystal Palace (4-2) and Luton Town (3-2) have been gained after they trailed at half-time.
Jimmy Smith has scored five goals in the past month, while Martin Rowlands and Dexter Blackstock have also kept up the scoring habit.
QPR are 40-1 with Coral to win after being behind at half-time for the third match in succession. Cardiff are 28-1 to do likewise.
The Times
Also Previewing Cardiff vs QPR:
QPR Official Site Match Preview
Ron Norris/Simon Skinner - QPRNet Match Preview
Tracy Stent/QPR Rivals Preview
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