The late Championship kick-off on Monday sees Luton travel across London to Loftus Road to take on QPR.
Football tipster James O’Rourke has dived into the markets for four value picks for an evening Bet Builder to help whet your Monday appetite. Let’s get his QPR v Luton Town betting tips.
QPR v Luton Town Bet Builder tips
QPR to win
Michael Frey to score
Reull Walters to be shown a card
QPR over 1.5 cards
- A Bet Builder with these bets pays at approximately 21/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
WHEN: Monday, 5th January, 8pm
WHERE: Loftus Road, London
TV: Sky Sports Football
QPR to win
It is getting to the point where an expected revival from Luton just doesn’t look like it will happen. Nothing in recent times suggests this, and Rob Edwards is coming under increased pressure.
He insists he will not resign. However, four wins in 15 means that decision could soon be taken out of his hands. They certainly need a win, yet a dreadful away record states that is easier said than done. Only Plymouth have a worse away return compared to The Hatters.
As for QPR, they are now starting to look up the table following their transformation over recent months.
A relegation battle did look nailed on based on a dreadful start to the campaign, but they’ve made giant strides forward since.
Heading into this round of fixtures, Rangers would be positioned in a play-off place considering the previous ten matches for all sides. For context, Luton would be 17th.
A forever-improving return of results at home for The Hoops gives them a real chance of three points on Monday night. They’ve won four in succession at Loftus Road whilst only losing once in seven in front of their supporters.
Michael Frey to score
Following around two months out of action through injury, Michael Frey is now back in the picture at QPR. After three sub appearances last month, he was handed his first start since October in the New Year’s Day victory versus Watford.
The Swiss striker made the most of this opportunity by opening the scoring in the 3-1 success. He’ll undoubtedly be keen to build upon this when an out-of-sorts Luton are the opponents.
Despite his enforced absence, the 30-year-old remains their top scorer in all competitions this season. He tends to net his goals in patches, especially earlier in the campaign, when he scored three goals in four appearances.
He’ll be facing a team that has conceded an average of 2.17 goals in away league fixtures this season. Therefore, he’ll certainly expect to make his presence felt, even more so knowing how confident he and his teammates are playing in home encounters of late.
Reull Walters to be shown a card
Injuries have arguably been one reason for Luton’s struggles this season. There has barely been an occasion when Rob Edwards has had a full complement of players available. Slowly but surely, that situation is improving, but they’ll still be without key players such as Alfie Doughty and Teden Mengi for the trip to QPR.
However, Reuell Walters has featured in the last two matches after returning from a nearly three-month injury absence. Edwards highly rates him, so seeing him start against Norwich was no surprise. He is primed to retain his place, although he is likely slightly rusty.
Walters has been restricted to only eight starts in league and cup this season. Within those, he has collected two yellow cards. A 25% strike rate of being carded in games when starting is very notable and a chance is taken on him receiving a third.
Luton are having major issues playing away from home and there will be spells where they come under big pressure. Rangers will look to get the ball to Dangerman Ilias Chair, who plays down the left side regularly. He is just the type to draw fouls, which puts Walters in a vulnerable position.
QPR over 1.5 cards
This fixture tends to result in cards. At least four yellow cards have been issued in each of the last three head-to-head meetings. Andy Davies will officiate this contest. This season, he averages 4.07 cards per match, so there is every chance he could be quite busy.
Although we rate QPR as the expected winner, they should still do so, likely making a few offences. QPR have averaged 2.04 bookings across their Championship contests in 2024/25. Martí Cifuentes’ side have received at least three cards for three games running, too, so they have form in that regard.
For all that Luton are struggling and are out of sorts, they will still offer a threat versus QPR. They are somewhat desperate and won’t go down without a fight.
They’ll test the Hoops defensively, as Edwards’s charges have the sixth-best Expected Goals return in the league. Under pressure, the home team will likely commit a few fouls.
QPR v Luton Town Bet Builder tips
QPR to win
Michael Frey to score
Reull Walters to be shown a card
QPR over 1.5 cards
- A Bet Builder with these bets pays at approximately 21/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
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