West Ham will aim to return to the top of the Championship when they are back in action after the international break at the London Stadium against QPR on Oct 9.

Hammers Proving Hard to Beat in Second Tier

Nuno Espírito Santo’s West Ham are clear favourites to win promotion from the Championship this season, and they have made a strong start, avoiding defeat in seven of their eight fixtures.

West Ham’s attacking output has been dominant, scoring 18 goals in their previous five. However, they'll need to improve defensively after conceding five in three.

Jarrod Bowen has been a standout star, registering four goal involvements in as many appearances. Santo will be without the injured Joel Veltman on Friday, while Tomáš Souček is a doubt.

West Ham predicted lineup vs QPR (4-4-2): Hermansen; Walker-Peters, Mavropanos, Kilman, Morato; Bowen, Mukasa, Engels, Solomon; Piroe, Castellanos

QPR Emerging as Playoff Contender

Julien Stéphan’s QPR have made a reliable start to the new season, and they have emerged as a shock playoff contender with just one defeat in eight fixtures.

The R’s have been sound defensively this term, allowing no more than one goal in seven matches. Rumarn Burrell has been one of the team’s most impressive stars, with the 25-year-old scoring three goals in his last six appearances for club and country.

QPR will be without a few first-team players this week, as Tariq Lamptey, Boy Kemper, and Ilias Chair will be missing due to injury. Dennis Cirkin is suspended.

QPR predicted lineup vs West Ham (4-4-2): Charles; Mbengue, Dunne, Edwards, Adamson; Varane, Kamara, Madsen, Poku; Scarlett, Burrell

West Ham vs QPR Prediction

  • Safe Tip: Under 3.5 Goals
  • Odds: 1.55 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: EN3LA
  • Correct score prediction: West Ham 1-1 QPR

Key stats:

  • Under 3.5 goals has been a winning selection in the previous nine head-to-heads.
  • West Ham have scored at least once in all Championship matches this season.
  • Six of QPR's last seven matches have produced three goals or fewer.

A cagey reintroduction to the Championship should be expected on Friday. Under 3.5 goals have been scored in the last nine head-to-head meetings between West Ham and QPR.

Despite thriving offensively, the Hammers will be keen to improve their defensive record in the second tier when play resumes, having kept just two clean sheets in eight.

QPR’s defensive record is notable after allowing no more than one goal in seven of their eight fixtures. Under 4 goals have been scored in six of the R’s previous seven.

West Ham vs QPR Prediction, Value Tip

  • Value Tip: Double Chance – Draw or QPR (X2)
  • Odds: 2.41 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: 6JJLA

Shock results typically follow an international break, ensuring that the away win and draw make plenty of appeal from a value perspective on Friday. QPR have been excellent on the road this season, avoiding defeat in all four fixtures, and keeping clean sheets in half of them.

It is also notable that West Ham have not won in four of the eight league encounters between these teams.

Verdict: Under 3.5 Goals (1.55) — West Ham 1-1 QPR