On Sky
At the time of writing this preview, Chelsea scored a late winner and Fulham and West Brom all won against our relegation rivals. This amazing set of results maintains our position outside of the bottom three and I`m sure I wasn`t the only R`s fan that ashamedly cheered Juan Mata`s late winner or Clint Dempsey`s brace today. Today`s results mean QPR head into the match tomorrow knowing that bar an absolute thrashing by United, we stay outside the relegation zone, which does alleviate the pressure even more.
Lately, QPR have turned Loftus Road into a fortress, picking up sensational wins against Arsenal and Liverpool. However, the away form has left a lot to be desired. The last time QPR picked up any points on the road was against Villa when Djibril Cisse scored on his debut. In fact, since the win in November against Stoke, QPR have only collected 2 points from a possible 27. No better time to turn that run around than against Manchester United then.
There were many positives against Arsenal besides the result. The manner of the performance and the way in which QPR executed a tactical game-plan was encouraging. Individual players appear to be coming of age in the top flight and a real sense of cohesiveness was apparent in the performance against the Gunners. Manchester United will prove to be much stronger opponents and will not give up on the match like Arsenal did. If QPR can stop the supply on the wings then it will go a long way to dampening United`s attacking threat. United really need the win to cement their position at the top and will see QPR as a great opportunity to help them achieve this feat.
Last Fixture
QPR 2 (Taarabt, Diakite)
Arsenal 1 (Walcott)
Team: Kenny, Onuoha, Ferdinand, Hill, Taiwo, Diakite, Derry, Barton, Taarabt, Mackie, Zamora (Wright-Phillips).
Blackburn 0
Manchester United 2 (Valencia, Young)
Team: De Gea, Rafael, Evans, Ferdinand, Evra, Jones (Giggs), Carrick, Scholes (Young), Valencia, Rooney, Hernandez (Welbeck).
Manchester United Team News:
Nani returns after an ankle injury has kept him out of the last five matches. Anderson and Michael Owen are out with hamstring and thigh injuries respectively.
Possible line-up:
Rafael – Evans – Ferdinand – Evra
Valencia – Scholes – Carrick – Nani
Rooney – Welbeck
Player to watch: Antonio Valencia
Vital QPR has singled out Antonio Valencia as the One to Watch
To read our profile of the player Click Here >>>
QPR Team News:
Strikers Heider Helguson and DJ Campbell return to the squad having fully recovered from their respective muscular injuries. Djibril Cisse is still suspended and Fitz Hall and Armand Traore are both out injured.
Possible line up:
Onuoha – Hill – Ferdinand – Taiwo
Mackie – Barton – Derry – Diakite – Taarabt
Zamora
Player to watch: Bobby Zamora
Although he didn`t score last weekend, Bobby Zamora was instrumental in the victory against Arsenal. His physical presence and intelligence on the field meant QPR could retain possession and have the opportunity to create chances. He gave the Arsenal centre backs a torrid time and it wouldn`t surprise me if they had nightmares of ‘Our Bob` that night. Tomorrow, we need Zamora to dominate Jonny Evans, who does have a mistake in him. If he can get any change out of the United defence, then we stand a chance.
The Stat Attack
LAST FIVE
Queens Park Rangers: DLWLW
Manchester United: WLWWW
HEAD 2 HEAD
Queens Park Rangers: 6
Manchester United: 29
Draw: 13
LAST TIME OUT
Premier League – 18/12/11
Loftus Road
QPR 0
Manchester United 2 (Rooney, Carrick)
Team: Cerny, Gabbidon, Young, Traore, Connolly, Wright-Phillips (Taarabt), Barton, Mackie, Faurlin, Helguson (Campbell), Bothroyd (Hill).
Attendance: 18,033
Ref Watch:
Referee: L Mason
Assistants: A Garrett & D C Richards
Fourth Official: K Friend
Lee Mason is the match official for tomorrow`s game. This season Mason has issued 71 yellow cards and 2 red cards in 27 games.
Match Prediction:
As far as a match prediction goes, it is hard to see past a Manchester United victory. Stranger things have happened this season but they have been at Loftus Road. I think the trend will continue at home and a few more shock results could be on the cards. Away at Old Trafford player`s mental attributes are tested and there are certain players whom I feel will not perform on such a big stage. Samba Diakite has performed very well of late but there`s always a chance the occasion may get the better of him tomorrow. Our fullbacks will need to produce their best performances of the season if we are to stand a chance of nullifying United`s attacking threat.
1-0 Home win.
Next Up
Who:Swansea City
Where:Loftus Road
When:11/04/12 – 20:00