Arsenal v QPR: Redknapp's away woes to continue

This man will not be beaten on Boxing Day

The Premier League Boxing Day action concludes at The Emirates and Paul Robinson is taking Arsenal to keep QPR at arms-length...

Arsenal v QPR
Friday December 26, 17:30 GMT
Live on BT Sport 1

An injury time Martin Skrtel header denied Arsenal their third successive victory in all competitions but it wouldn't have been deserved as they were outplayed for most of the game. Nevertheless, a point isn't a bad result at Anfield and despite it being a relatively poor campaign to date, The Gunners are through to the last 16 of the Champions League and only five points adrift of Manchester United in third place.

A home fixture against a team in the bottom five is all that Arsene Wenger could have asked for this Christmas and I would be very surprised if his side can't take the three points with relative ease. 

Following their disappointing defeat to Manchester United in November, Arsenal have beaten Bourssia Dortmund, Southampton and Newcastle in front of their own fans. Their record at home might not be quite what it should be for a club of their stature, but their problems have usually come against the better teams in the division.

Queens Park Rangers have managed to drag themselves out of the relegation zone but that is purely down to their form at Loftus Road. Away from home they have lost all eight of their Premier League fixtures and they were even knocked out of the Capital One Cup at Burton Albion.

Charlie Austin may be flying but only two of his 11 goals have come on the road and the only other player to net for them is Bobby Zamora who scored a late consolation at Goodison Park last time.

Harry Redknapp will be telling his team that this is a free hit as nobody expects them to take anything from the game, but even with the pressure off, it's hard to see anything other than a defeat for a team who haven't even managed a draw on their travels this term.

Match Odds
Arsenal 1.282/7 QPR 14.5n/a The Draw 6.411/2

No surprises here as the hosts are long odds-on and while I won't be recommending a lay at the prices, I'm not one to tip 1.282/7 shots. Given QPR's struggles in front of goal, I am more inclined to suggest backing an Arsenal clean sheet at around the 2.166/5 mark. 

The Gunners may have only kept two in eight Premier League outings this season, but with Rangers' having fired five blanks, odds-against has to be a bit of value.

Over/Under 2.5 Goals
Over 2.5 Goals 1.491/2 Under 2.5 Goals 3.02/1

I have no real interest in this market either as the odds seem about right all things considered. Arsenal are capable of scoring five or six on their day, but on other occasions they get bogged down in meaningless possession in front of the opposition's back four.

Correct Score  

There are a couple of scorelines that interest me here and they all feature something to nil. I have plumped for 3-0 at 9.89/1 as that seems just a little bit too big.

Cash Out   

This cash out proposition might sound a bit strange given what I've said so far, but I think under 1.5 goals could be a good back to lay option. It's currently trading at around the 6.611/2 mark, and that should contract if QPR keep Arsenal at bay for a sustained period of time.

Harry Redknapp will no doubt pack the midfield and it may be tricky for Arsenal to break them down until legs begin to tire in the final half an hour or so.

Recommended Bets
Back an Arsenal Clean Sheet @ 2.166/5 (2pts)
Back a 3-0 Correct Score @ 9.89/1 (1pt)

Best Cash Out
Back Under 1.5 goals @ 6.611/2