Queens Park Rangers slipped into the bottom three after losing to Sunderland last weekend, and Rs clearly face an uphill task against high-flying Arsenal. The Gunners extended their Premier League winning run to seven games as they hammered Aston Villa and are now hoping to make it eight in a row.

QPR fighting for their lives

Queens Park Rangers have learned the hard way all about the difference between the Championship and the Premier League seeing that the newly promoted side are struggling to keep their heads above water despite the heavy spending in the summer and winter transfer windows. January arrivals have added an extra quality to the side, but they certainly need some more time to adapt to the new surroundings and the fans are afraid that QPR will have been relegated by the time the squad finally gel. One of the best players on the team sheet Djibril Cisse has picked up a new red card that will see him miss next four Premier League games and there are no doubts he will be sorely missed against Arsenal. Mark Hughes’ side were not able to build on their amazing victory over Liverpool as they were beaten by Sunderland, and after losing three of their last five home games, Rangers don’t look capable of stopping in-form Arsenal.

Fitz Hall and Clint Hill are both doubtful through injury, while Alejandro Faurlin, Kieron Dyer, Armand Traore, Heidar Helguson and Dj Campbell are definitely out.

Arsenal on fire

This Arsenal side have been heavily criticized from the very start to the season and many people questioned team’s ability despite several quality signings in the summer. The Gunners indeed largely struggled in the first part of the season and looked to be in for a very disappointing campaign, but they managed to turn things around and are now playing with a lot of confidence. The run of seven straight victories saw Arsenal climb to third place in the standings and they now need just few more wins to ensure Champions League qualification. Aaron Ramsey’s injury proved to be a blessing in disguise as Tomas Rosicky stepped in and largely impressed in the last few games, so it is no wonder that he is currently keeping the Wales captain out of the side. Gervinho is slowly returning to form after the AFCON hangover and with Robin van Persie still on top of his game, the Gunners look set for another away victory.

Laurent Koscielny has recovered from a knee injury and he is expected to start, with Johan Djourou dropping to the bench. That is likely to be the only change from the team that recorded the 3-0 win over Aston Villa.

Verdict

Queens Park Rangers are still unable to find their game and their attack will be blunted by the absence of Djibril Cisse. Arsenal, on the other hand, are red hot at the moment and they should have no problems recording another comfortable victory.

Our prediction: Arsenal with -1 Asian handicap

Odds: 2.10 (11/10)

Bookmaker: bet365