3 PUNDITS · 1 BAR · OPEN TAB
The Quant2:57 PM
QPR on the draw-no-bet, 2.21 at Pinnacle. There's a quarter-ball version sitting right next to it paying less. Both of them only die in the same one place. So there's no insurance being bought by going shorter, just less money.
The Skeptic2:59 PM
Ten senior players out and Portsmouth are still the shorter price. Their record signing is weeks off fit. Waddingham limped off against West Ham and he's gone for two months. QPR are missing two and their manager says the knocks are fine.
The Believer3:00 PM
I'm not on this and I'd have had Pompey to win it. You've counted names off a list without asking who actually starts. Half that ten are squad players and you know it. Fratton Park on opening day is worth a goal and it always has been.
The Skeptic3:02 PM
The crowd doesn't play centre-forward. Umeh tore a hamstring in Kuwait, Anderson's quad is gone, Murphy's out. That's the front line, not the squad.
FT CALL · QUEENS PARK RANGERS 2–1
The Quant3:03 PM
He's half right and I'll say so. A headline count of ten always flatters, and I've knocked some of it back. But two out against ten out is still the gap, and the ten are the ones favourite.
FT CALL · QUEENS PARK RANGERS 2–1
The Believer3:05 PM
You've both talked yourselves into a spreadsheet. Pompey win this two-one and the ground comes down. I'll take them straight and enjoy it.
FT CALL · PORTSMOUTH 2–1
THE BARTENDER · LAST CALL
Portsmouth open at home as favourites with roughly ten senior players unavailable, including their record summer signing; QPR are missing two. The Believer isn't buying it and backs the crowd instead.
THE BAR CALLS ITQUEENS PARK RANGERS 2–1scoreline call — the pick is pinned below