Football
West Ham vs Queens Park Rangers Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction
Date: January 11, 2026 Venue: London Stadium Kickoff Time: 16:30 This FA Cup tie is not just another fixture; it’s history, pride, and knockout drama on the line in an all-London showdown as East meets West. With excitement building and anticipation growing ahead of kickoff, football online betting sites will have plenty of opportunities if you love betting on the FA Cup. Although West Ham and Queens Park Rangers don’t meet regularly in league action, their shared London heritage gives this third-round matchup extra spice. For the Hammers, it’s a pivotal moment to inject confidence into a troubled season, while for QPR, it’s a chance to make headlines with an upset that would live long in the memory of their loyal supporters. Given how their seasons have unfolded to this point, both teams have much to play for as a place in the next round is up for grabs.
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Jarrod Bowen of West Ham Untied /Getty Images
The London Stadium, a 62,000-seat fortress renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, is set to come alive when West Ham take on Queens Park Rangers on 11 January 2026. Hammers supporters are desperate to hang onto something positive and respite from league struggles, while Hoops fans will arrive dreaming of a shock and the romance of an FA Cup giant-slaying.
Pre-Game Odds & Win Probability
HOME (WEST HAM): 14/25 (1.56) – 64.1%
DRAW: 33/10 (4.30) – 23.3%
AWAY (QPR): 22/5 (5.40) – 18.5%
Odds courtesy of Betway, subject to change.
Head-To-Head Record
Last five meetings (All Competitions)
- 25/04/2015: QPR 0-0 West Ham
- 05/10/2014: West Ham 2-0 QPR
- 19/01/2013: West Ham 1-1 QPR
- 01/10/2012: QPR 1-2 West Ham
- 06/11/2004: West Ham 2-1 QPR
West Ham Current Form – LDLLL
West Ham has endured a season of struggles and is embroiled in a dogfight to avoid relegation from the top flight. From managerial changes to disgruntled fans, the Hammers are struggling to navigate their way through this tough period, which has shown a lack of cutting edge and confidence. Nuno Espirito Santo is eager to turn things around before survival becomes desperation.
During the last five matches, West Ham has been way below standard as the pressure continues to mount on the shoulders of Nuno and players alike. They were outplayed in every department in the loss to Man City, narrowly lost to Fulham at home, earned a massive point against Brighton, and lost again to relegation favourites Wolves, which highlighted how serious this poor run has been for them.
After a tough showing at Molineux, Nuno and his men took on Sean Dyche and Nottingham in a fixture where both teams are looking to create some room between them and the red zone. With QPR next, a change of scenery could be what sparks a resurgence for the Hammers, especially with bragging rights and the reward of claiming a spot in the next round of the FA Cup.
Key Players To Watch
- Jarrod Bowen: Bowen is the heart and soul of this West Ham team. He combines the traits of a traditional goal-poaching forward with the dynamism, speed, and work ethic of a modern winger, making him a complete and irreplaceable attacking threat for the Hammers.
- Crysencio Summerville: Summerville is an exciting, technically gifted attacker who is always aiming to impact the game with his dribbling and playmaking skills. He enjoys one-on-one battles where he can glide past opponents and still be skilled enough to create opportunities for his teammates.
- Callum Wilson: Wilson brings bags of experience with him and has proven his goal-scoring ability throughout his years in the Premier League. He’s still a sharp, dynamic striker who disrupts defences with his intelligent movement, making him a valuable asset for West Ham’s direct attack.
West Ham Team News
Aaron Was-Bissaka and El Hadji Diouf are both away on international duty. Lucas Paqueta (back) and Lukasz Fabianski (back) are both nearing a return after sustaining back injuries.
Queens Park Rangers Current Form – WLLDW
QPR has enjoyed a relatively steady campaign in the Championship as they are not a team in freefall but are also some way off genuine promotion contention. Julien Stephan has kept the Hoops competitive and entertaining, which has kept them a lively side capable of breaking down teams through set-pieces and quick transitions.
Coming into this age-old rivalry, QPR has seen a mixed bag of results after two victories, two defeats, and a draw across the last five matches. A commanding victory against Leicester City was overshadowed by a disappointing draw against Portsmouth on Boxing Day, with back-to-back defeats to West Bromwich and Norwich.
Last time out, QPR took on Sheffield Wednesday and came up with the answers by responding in a convincing victory to secure their first win at home for the new year. With plenty of time to prepare for the next challenge, coach Stephen will focus on the fine details, knowing a win here could ignite a strong push in the league and make a statement on the big stage.
Key Players To Watch
- Jimmy Dunne: Dunne has earned multiple Player of the Season awards at QPR, validating his importance to this team. His move from defensive midfielder to right-back has allowed him to show more of his technical skills, which has seen him contribute to both goals and assists.
- Richard Kone: With Rumarn Burrel out with a hamstring issue, Kone is now the main man upfront for QPR. He’s a versatile striker whose game is built on physical presence, intelligent movement, and instinctive finishing, making him a significant threat in the final third, especially in direct play.
- Nicolas Madsen: Initially used deeper or as a defensive midfielder, Madsen has moved into more advanced attacking roles, becoming the key to unlocking the midfield by providing progressive passes and initiating attacks. His creativity in the final third has become a strong weapon for the Hoops.
QPR Team News
Rumarn Burrel (hamstring) will be a huge miss for QPR as he spends time out with a hamstring injury. Jonathan Varane (undisclosed) is working on his comeback with no timeline set for his return. Jake Clarke-Salter (ankle) could be back in rotation by the end of January after recovering from an ankle injury. Liam Morisson (muscle) and Ilias Chair (muscle) are also closing in on a return to action, with Chair the closer of the two to being folded back into the squad.
Predicted Line-Up
West Ham: 4-2-3-1
Areola; Walker-Peters, Mavropanos, Julio, Scarles; Soucek, Potts; Bowen, Fernandes, Summerville; WilsonQPR: 4-4-2
Hamer, Mbengue, Dunne, Cook, Norrington-Davies, Dembele, Madsen, Field, Saito, Kolli, Kone
Suggested Bets
With strategic insights ahead of kickoff, you can gain the upper hand in a fixture that offers plenty of betting potential.
Both Teams To Score (Yes): Given the occasion, this fixture will see both teams attack with intent. 43/50 (1.86) with Betway.
Totals (Over 3.5): Both teams have shown to be vulnerable in defence, which will provide scoring opportunities and goalmouth action. 19/10 (2.90) with 1Win.
First Half – First Goal (West Ham): The Hammers are clearly the stronger of the two teams and will look to get a head start early on. 22/25 (1.88) with Stake.
Value Bets
When analysis is paired with competitive odds and value bets, you have the chance to reward yourself with a big return.
Winning Margin (West Ham By 2): The difference in quality and squad depth should be too much for QPR to handle. 18/5 (4.60) with N1Bet.
Highest Scoring Half (First Half): The first half will see the most action as it will set the tone for the rest of this match. 41/20 (2.55) with Bettilt.
Anytime Goal Scorer (Jarrod Bowen): Bowen is a significant goal threat for the Hammers and will be the one to find the breakthrough as the game opens up. 7/5 (2.40) with 1xBet.
Prediction: West Ham to Win
West Ham have more on the line here than their cross-town rivals and will target this fixture as an opportunity to not only earn a much-needed victory but also to regain confidence.
Marc Strydom is a dedicated sports lover with a wealth of experience in the sports betting industry, mostly as a Chief Editor of a sports betting publication in South Africa. While Marc’s enthusiasm covers many sports, football and NBA are his favourites. His articles feature on multiple top-rated platforms, covering a wide range of topics.
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