Tom Cleverley, WatfordGetty

Queens Park Rangers vs Watford Betting Tips: Latest odds, team news, preview and predictions

Queens Park Rangers are into the FA Cup fifth round for the first time in 22 years and their reward is a home tie against Premier League side Watford.

The Hornets have been in fine form, but Javi Gracia does not consider this competition as a priority for his side and, so, Steve McClaren's men will fancy their chances of pulling off a shock at Loftus Road on Friday night.

Latest odds 

QPR are winless in seven matches in the Championship. Nevertheless, the home side can be backed at 16/5 (4.20) with SportPesa to claim victory in west London.

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Watford are available at 20/23 (1.87) to come out on top. SportPesa go 12/5 (3.40) that the tie remains level at the end of 90 minutes.

QPR Team Celebration Dec18Getty Images

Replays have been scrapped at this stage of the competition, so the tie will be played to a finish. The hosts are available at 9/5 (2.80) to progress and Watford are a 5/12 (1.42) chance to qualify for the quarter-finals.

Team news

With four goals in his last three starts, Michael Smith will surely lead the line for QPR.

Watford have made wholesale changes in their previous two ties in the competition. Tom Cleverley, Domingos Quina and Nathaniel Chalobah are amongst those likely to benefit from such rotation against Rangers.

A tight tussle?

Watford have kept four clean sheets in their last five fixtures. Furthermore, the Hornets have not conceded an FA Cup goal so far this season.

SportPesa offer 13/10 (2.30) that Watford keep QPR at bay and 11/5 (3.20) that there are fewer than two goals scored.

QPR Watford graphic

The case for goals

However, McClaren's men have scored two goals in both of their FA Cup ties at Loftus Road this term and SportPesa go 11/4 (3.75) that Rangers score more than once against Watford.

As well, there have been goals at both ends in five of Rangers' last six matches and it is 10/11 (1.91) that both teams are on target on Friday night.

Prediction

There is sure to be an outstanding atmosphere at Loftus Road for this Cup clash but the match itself may struggle to hit the heights and goals could prove to be at something of a premium.

SportPesa's 14/5 (3.80) quote for Watford to win a match in which fewer than three goals are scored could offer value. The selection would have landed in four of Watford's last five wins - including both of their previous victories in this competition.

Betting Banner - Best Bet Under 2.5 goals and Watford to win at 14/5 (3.80) for a 1pt stake with SportPesa SportPesa Footer Update £50 free betSportPesa
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