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Premier League: Everton boss Roberto Martinez wary of QPR threat

Image: Roberto Martinez: Wary of resurgent QPR

Everton manager Roberto Martinez feels they could be playing QPR at just the wrong time.

Harry Redknapp’s side are in the Premier League relegation places going into the Monday Night Football game but they have won their last two matches, against fellow strugglers Leicester and Burnley.

QPR’s leading scorer Charlie Austin is suspended after being sent off against the Clarets but Martinez has warned against complacency ahead of the game at Goodison Park.

"QPR had a little bit of a difficult start because when you get new players you're trying to find the right combinations,” he said.

I think Harry Redknapp has found the right formula and they are in the best moment of their season.
Everton manager Roberto Martinez

"I think Harry Redknapp now has found the right formula and they are in the best moment of their season. They've been unfortunate in a couple of games, I think they should have had more points than they've got.

"I know they've got Charlie Austin missing for this game but I think this group are in a good moment and we respect them hugely.

"I've always admired Harry Redknapp as a manager with his experience and his management skills and know-how."

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Upbeat

Everton have struggled at Goodison this season, winning just two of their seven home games in the league, but Martinez remains upbeat.

"We enjoy playing at home because it's your environment and you can affect things a lot easier,” he added.

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Everton boss Roberto Martinez says defender John Stones is nearing a return to the first team.

"Every game is difficult. In every other league you can count two or three games a season that maybe you can cruise through. That doesn't happen in the Premier League.

"We need to be a team that are capable of getting points away from home as well as at home but it's true that at the moment, points wise, we're not reflecting what we want and we're catching up a little bit.

"That means that we need to get a big run of good results and that starts with a strong, confident performance at home.

"We're getting very close to the halfway point of the season, the squad is strong and we've had a lot of good experiences.

“The competition for places is huge and I do feel we're ready to set really high standards in the league that I believe are going to give us the points that our performances would deserve."

Watch Everton v QPR on Monday Night Football - coverage starts on Sky Sports 1 HD at 7:00pm.