Derby - QPR, Championship Play-Off Final Betting Preview
Published: May 22, 2014
The multi-million pound playoff draws near
In a tense battle, Queens Park Rangers defeated Wigan Athletic 2-1 after extra-time on Monday 12 May, to claim a spot in the hugely prestigious Championship Play-off Final. It is there that on Saturday May 24, they will meet Derby County, who secured their own spot to the final by with a resound beating of hopefuls Brighton & Hove Albion. The loser is destined to remain in England's second tier for at least another season. But for the winner, there is the promise of Premier League football for 2014/2015, as well as the fortunes of multi-million pound promotion pay-outs.
So, Wembley is set for Derby County versus Queens Park Rangers, and Everygame sportsbook is raring to go with their latest odds. Who will join Leicester City and Burnley in the Premiership next season? It's time to take a look at the situation a little more closely.
Derby County
At present, Everygame has Derby County as narrow favourites for promotion, at 2.30 to win the match over 90 minutes. It isn't too difficult to see why. Derby County have had a superb campaign, and although they lost out on automatic promotion by eight points, they have still won 25, drawn 10 and lost 11 of their 46 games in the Championship this season. It is pretty promising stuff, but can they do it? Derby County have all the qualities of a side that belong in the top-flight, as they have proven when they have made a number of appearance in the Premier League in the past. But can they get past Q.P.R. It is so tight to call, who can say? However, if there is one man who knows about getting teams promoted, it is Harry Redknapp.
Queens Park Rangers
The Queens Park Rangers' manager has seen it all and done it all in his many years of service to football. Q.P.R. have had their ups and downs over the course of the regular season, and they did struggle in the first half against Wigan on Monday 12 May. But, their squad includes England veteran Rob Green and the other former Premiership players include Assou-Ekotto, Dunne, Hughes, Simpson, Young, Barton, Benayoun, Jenas, Kranjcar, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Morrison and Bobby Zamora. There is no shortage of Premier League experience in the side. It seems to be for this reason, why Rangers are only narrowly behind high-flying Derby in terms of odds. Everygame has Q.P.R. at 3.20 to progress within 90 minutes, to the top division in England.
Betting tips
Our money would be on Queens Park Rangers, too. But it's not all plain sailing. Who is to say that the match will be decided in 90 minutes? Everygame is offering 3.20 on a draw, which would take the game into extra-time. Of course, if you want to avoid the drama, you can just place money on a "to be promoted" bet, which offer 1.75 odds for Derby County, and 2.10 odds for Queens Park Rangers. It's anybody's game, but if you want the most favourable odds, and you believe that experience counts, then Q.P.R. may indeed be the team to back.
Please note: all odds accurate as of 22.03.2014, 12:00 GMT+2 and are subject to change. All tips on our site are based on the personal opinion of the author. No success is guaranteed. Please gamble responsibly. 18+.