Martinez wary of QPR challenge

Roberto Martinez thinks timing is not in Everton’s favour ahead of tonight’s Premier League clash with QPR.

Rangers have won two of their last three games, beating fellow strugglers Leicester and Burnley to climb out of the relegation zone.

QPR’s leading scorer Charlie Austin is suspended after his dismissal against Burnley but Martinez has been impressed by Harry Redknapp’s side.

The Everton manager said: “QPR had a little bit of a difficult start because obviously when you get new players, you’re trying to find the right combinations.

“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 what 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.”

QPR have yet to pick up a single point on their travels. Martinez is wary of reading too much into that, though, saying: “The results that they’ve had have been well deserved. Even away from home, I thought the Southampton performance they were very unfortunate not to get a reward from that.

“You don’t look back when you face a team. All you’re looking at is how well you can perform and obviously we’re looking at a very important period for us in the league to try to get as many points as we can.”

Goodison has hardly been a fortress for Everton so far, with the Toffees winning only two of their seven home games in the league. Among the disappointing results have been draws with Hull last time out and Swansea, and defeat by Crystal Palace.