Match Preview: QPR vs Manchester United

Messi,Suarez,Hummels and at least a dozen more word class players have been linked with United throughout the week, but the reality at the end of it is not as glamorous – travel to Loftus Road. One of those tricky away games when the home crowd will buzzing, getting behind their team in full belief of winning all the points.

This has been the story so far for Queens Park Rangers. Five wins, four draws and a two losses have turned Loftus Road into a fortress. Whether is Harry Redknapp’s tactics, the home crowd or player’s spirit, The Hoops are a hard team to beat at home. Late equaliser from Aguero gave City a point and Liverpool escaped with a victory, which even Brendan Rodgers described as “lucky”.This has not been the case for the past month. Just one victory in the last six added to the worst away record in the league (10 game losing streak), meant that there have been some rumours of Harry’s sack this week.

Speaking about away record, United will be looking to win their first game in over a month (Southampton away 8th December). A win is vital for Van Gaal’s men as there has been quite a criticism of the performance of late. The lack of chances created against Stoke, Yeovil and Southampton have questioned whether 3-5-2 is the right formation. Whether the Iron Tulip sticks to it, remains to be seen.

Injury News

Rio Ferdinand is expected to return to QPR’s squad after an injury. Yun Suk-young is injured and expected be out until the end of January, while midfielder Alejandro Faurlin is out until the end of the season ( ACL knee)


Robin Van Persie is expected to miss the game with Ankle injury and could be out for the Cambridge game as well. This could very well mean a serious chance for Falcao to impress LVG. Ashley Young is out with hamstring problem until Mid February. Di Maria, Shaw and Rafael are not up to full fitness , but are expected to feature.

Predicted Line-ups:

QPR (3-5-2) – Green-Isla-Dunne-Caulker-Hill-Traore-Henry-Barton-Fer-Austin-Zamora

Man. United (3-5-2) – DDG- Rafael-Blind-Jones-Rojo-Shaw-Carrick-Di Maria-Mata-Rooney-Falcao

One to watch:

Charlie Austin – the 25-year old striker has been heart and soul for QPR during the past two years. He dragged them to the Premier League with 17 in 31 games and is on course to beat it with 13/19 so far. Strong, tall and prolific with unbelievable work ethic, United’s defence will definitely have a tough afternoon. Whispers about England? Why not? Jay Bothroyd made it.

Last Meeting: Manchester United-Queens Park Rangers 4:0

The last time the two sides met was 14th September when goals from Rooney, Mata, Di Maria and Herrera produced one of the most convincing performances from The Reds this season. LVG will certainly be hoping for more of the same.

Score Prediction: Queens Park Rangers 1-2 Manchester United

United will be looking for a first league win since beating Newcastle on Boxing Day. However QPR have relied heavily on their home form to keep them in the survival fight. Harry has proved that his teams can certainly cause an upset, but United’s threat going forward will be too much. Grit and grind result to kick start another unbeaten run.

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