Previews

QPR face Watford test

Author: Brandon Barker
Date: 07/12/2009
Football betting

Watford welcome Queens Park Rangers to Vicarage Road on Monday evening with both outfits performing admirably in the Championship this season.

Despite their on-field success, things off the pitch couldn't be any more different with Watford's financial plight thought to be bordering on a critical level.

On the contrary, their opponents are co-owned by controversial Italian tycoon Flavio Briatore and Formula One icon Bernie Ecclestone.

Whilst QPR prosper, Watford's problems continue to rage off the pitch and it will take a huge effort for the club to be sustained beyond the current campaign.

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A recent report published by Watford Leisure PLC suggested that the club must raise £6.5 million by June 2010 as they struggle to overcome a crippling wage bill.

The Hornets, who remain sportsbook outsiders at 66/1 to win the Championship, are expected to off-load their most valuable assets in January to bring in some much needed revenue.

Although there is a David and Goliath financial difference between the two Championship pretenders, Malky Mackay and Jim Magilton's outfits are more tightly matched on the level playing field.

The Golden Boys, defeated at Newcastle United on Saturday, can boast the potent strike pairing of Danny Graham and Heidar Helguson, who have notched 12 league goals between them so far this term.

Helguson is on-loan at the Hertfordshire club from QPR and whether he will feature remains unknown.

They are supported by the outstanding loan duo of Tom Cleverley, of Manchester United, and the effervescent Henri Lansbury, from Arsenal, who constantly offer a threat from advanced midfield roles.

The youngsters are certainly catching the eye of their respective parent club managers, Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger.

Jay Simpson, a team-mate of Lansbury's at Arsenal, is with Rangers for a season long loan, and he is just another starlet emerging from the Gunners' youth production line.

He continues to impress and with eight goals in just 14 games, he is sure to be a thorn in Watford's defence.

Hungary international Akos Buzsaky has added seven goals from midfield and proves to be a prized asset for the W12 club.

Magilton has tapped into the loan market to great effect so far this season and his visiting side could boast no fewer than five loan signings - Simpson, Ben Watson, Steven Reid, Adel Taarabt and Tom Williams, who will want to impress in front of the Sky cameras.

Although they may not be matched with similar financial prowess, the two clubs chasing Premier League berths next term, are sure to serve up an exciting showing.

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