The bookies have Sunderland long odds against to win at Loftus Road on Saturday, at the end of a nightmare seven days for QPR.

Another desperately disappointing performance in a cup competition led to an early exit at the hands of a well-run Burton Albion side. Gary Rowett is doing a great job at the tiny club in Staffordshire and has his side punching well above their weight in all competitions.

The same cannot be said of QPR. The chant of 'Premier League, you're having a laugh' from the Burton faithful on Wednesday was swiftly retorted by the QPR faithful with 'Premier League we’re having a laugh' - a chant that seemed very apt considering the appalling performance by the men in hoops. It had been going wrong for a long time prior to the goal, yet Redknapp and his staff just stood by and did nothing: no changes, no tactical adjustments, nothing. And this was the same at Tottenham, and the same scenario many, many times last season when things weren't going well. Maybe Harry is angling for more signings - or maybe he just isn't that good tactically.

It was a reserve side on Wednesday but it still should have been more than capable of defeating a team three divisions below. The spirit doesn't look good in the camp at present. It will be a much stronger line up on Saturday that takes on a resurgent Mackems, but the midfield is of huge concern. Faurlin is out with what appears a career threatening injury and we wish him all the best for a speedy recovery; Leroy Fer looks like he's been schooled at the Bob Malcolm/Marco Boogers soccer academy; Junior Hoilett and Matt Phillips look shadows of the players they were for previous clubs; and then of course there is Jordan 'Mutch Ado about Nothing' to make up the numbers.

Sunderland on the other hand have the tackling machine Lee Cattermole, the guile of Adam Johnson, and the box to box ability of Jack Rodwell to compete. I'm taking my QPR hat off here.

I've seen enough in the first three games to suggest things still aren't right in the camp. The game will be won or lost in midfield on Saturday and barring an amazing change in form, Sunderland have it all ends up. Quite why they are 23/10 outsiders for this one based on current form is beyond me. The only reasoning being the players QPR are likely to bring back into the team: Charlie Austin, Loic Remy, Rio Ferdinand and Steven Caulker. However, I think Harry will inexplicably stick with Richard Dunne and Leroy Fer, and it could well be the case that Remy will not play due to a possible last minute transfer. With Austin also a doubt, we could be left with no out and out forwards again.

But it’s the midfield that worries me most. It looks men against boys as team news stands. And for that reason, I have to suggest a bet on Sunderland at 23/10. I've been wrong a lot this season - I just hope I'm wrong again.

Recommended bet: Sunderland to Beat QPR - 23/10 - Skybet

Elsewhere, my bet of the weekend comes at Vicarage Road where Watford take on Huddersfield. Huddersfield caretaker manager Mark Lillis has them set up more attacking to try and get best out of their main man Nakhi Wells, and Watford are scoring goals for fun at present - seven in their opening two home games. With Troy Deeney, Forestieri, Vydra, Nakhi Wells and Harry Bunn all on show, and defences looking vulnerable- the 2/1 for over 3.5 Goals on offer looks a decent bet.

Bet of Week: Watford v Huddersfield Over 2.5 Goals @2/1 WillHill

Big Price Goalscorers:

Jordan Clarke - Swindon v Coventry - 12/1 Anytime WillHIll/Skybet

Conor Goldson - Shrewsbury v Luton - 16/1 Anytime PaddyPower
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