Portsmouth vs QPR Predictions

• Portsmouth have drawn two of their last four Championship home games
• QPR have drawn three of their last seven competitive games, failing to win any
• The R’s have not won at Fratton Park in 26 years, drawing on four of their last five visits

Little between these on paper

Only three points separated Portsmouth and Queens Park Rangers last season, and there remains little between them heading into Saturday’s opening Championship game of the season at Fratton Park.

Pompey didn’t score enough goals to keep them out of a dogfight last season, and from the evidence of their Carabao Cup loss to West Ham last Saturday, they still need a reliable marksman up front.

QPR suffered a penalty shootout defeat to Millwall after a 1-1 home draw that was devoid of much creativity or attacking impetus. It is hard to see the R’s mounting a serious playoff challenge this term unless some new faces arrive in the next few weeks.

Both sides could settle for a point

The likelihood that this game is tight looks high with neither team currently possessing the sort of gamebreaker that could blow it wide open. Back the draw, which has been a bit of a standing dish when the West Londoners head to the south coast in recent years.

The R’s have not won at fortress Frattn Park since 2000, although they have taken home a point from four of their last five visits. Both clubs may end up settling for a share of the spoils on Saturday as fear of starting on the wrong foot outweighs the risk associated with going for the win.