QPR and Norwich fight for next round

QPR and Norwich are fighting for a place in the next round of the EFL Cup. Both clubs could do with a sense of achievement, it could be a gripping cup fight

The QPR vs Norwich prediction by the bookmakers indicates a favourite role for the visitors. The Canaries have a good chance to win the game, however QPR have the home advantage, which of course can always tip the scales in a cup match like this.

It could be an open game in which both teams will try to make their mark offensively. For this reason, our QPR vs. Norwich tip is also that both teams will score in this duel.

QPR – Statistics & current form

QPR is a team from London that played in the Premier League a few years ago. Now the team plays in the Championship and is coached by Gareth Ainsworth. He wants to improve the team this season after the last season was anything but successful. The dress rehearsal for this clash in the cup was won with 2:1 at Cardiff City, which was fitting in any case.

However, the hosts lost their first match of the season. And things don’t look too good across the season either, with the hosts winning only four of their last 15 competitive matches. During this time, there have even been nine defeats, including a very clear one in the opener at Watford (0:4). The defence already showed some gaps in the new season, in the said 15 games there were only twice no goals conceded.

Last season, QPR had nothing more than good beginnings. 50 points in 46 games almost meant relegation in the Championship, but the team was not in a direct relegation place on any matchday of the 2022/23 season. 22 defeats, however, speak a clear language.

QPR must improve in all respects

Not much could be done in the transfer market after last season’s poor campaign. If you don’t finish high up in the Championship, you don’t have much money to strengthen the squad. Smaller transfers were made, however, and more emphasis is to be placed on youth as well. The QPR vs. Norwich odds show that the hosts will go into the duel as underdogs.

It is clear that QPR must improve in all areas. Only 44 goals in 46 games are not a good performance, also the 71 goals conceded were far too many. At home, there was only one point per game on average, the team lost twelve of the 23 games at home. It doesn’t look like there will be a big turnaround yet, although a win in the EFL Cup now would be extremely important – also for the future.

QPR must improve offensively, improve defensively and ideally strengthen the squad. There are many areas of improvement for the hosts. For the good feeling, a win would be important now. Given the omens, our prediction before the QPR vs Norwich game is that both teams will score.

Predicted line-up of QPR:
Begovic – Kakay, Clarke-Salter, Gubbins, Paal – Field, Dozzell, Chair, Willock, Richards – Dykes

Norwich – Statistics & current form

Norwich are looking to reach the next round in the EFL Cup and will be hoping for a win away at QPR. Norwich are coached by ex-Schalker David Wagner, who has achieved the feat of promotion with Huddersfield in the past with a team not considered favourites. Norwich played a completely spectacular 4-4 draw at Southampton at the weekend and now have their sights set high for this cup tie.

It is not yet clear where the journey will go under Wagner. So far, the Canaries have shown some attacking talent, but have also been wild defensively, which may not have been to the coach’s liking. The first league game was a 2-1 win against Hull City, which is why Norwich are in the upper reaches of the table for now. The QPR vs Norwich betting odds also suggest that this game could be entertaining, with plenty of goals not ruled out.

Norwich have only won one of their last eight games. That is also the reason why a sense of achievement in the game against QPR would be so important for this team. It’s all about building confidence again and playing more sustainably, good performances and results will clearly help.

Norwich individually with advantages

Measured against the squad, the Canaries have advantages. The homogeneity is there, talents like Omobamidele, McCallum or Gibbs meet experienced players like captain Hanley, Gibson or Rashica. The mix is right, there are creative players, good workers and clearers. Actually, the signs are good to even be able to get involved in the promotion race.

But for that to happen, a few things have to go better than in the previous season, when there were 18 defeats. In the first half of the season Norwich even played at the top, but in the second half the wind changed. Away from home, the Canaries actually picked up more points than at home, with one more win and three more goals scored. Conserving the decent away form would be a possible cornerstone for success this season.

Because the visitors have shown a good start in the early part of the season, our value tip before the match QPR vs Norwich is that the Canaries will not lose and that they will not score more than three goals.

Predicted Norwich line-up:
Gunn – Stacey, Omobamidele, Hanley, Giannoulis – Sörensen, Gabriel Sara, Nunez, Fassnacht – Rashica, Sargent

QPR – Norwich Direct comparison / H2H record

80 games played by both teams in direct comparison, the difference is not very clear. 23 games went to QPR, 31 duels were won by Norwich. With 101:96 Norwich also leads in goals scored. In pre-season there were two draws in the Championship.

QPR – Norwich Tip

QPR need a sense of achievement after winning only four of their last 15 games. The defence was also a recurring problem last season, which should now be remedied. The visitors, however, come to London as slight favourites

Because both teams have their little problems defensively, our tip before the match QPR vs Norwich is that both teams will score.