In a week where there has been much publicity surrounding the decision to persevere with three at the back, the shock omission of Radamel Falcao and a first defeat in twelve games meaning doom and gloom, United have the chance to put things right and those issues to bed at Loftus Road on Saturday.
Harry Redknapp’s side are still within touching distance of safety, were it not for their impressive displays in front of their home faithful (W5 D4 L2) their Premier League obituary may already have been written. Their literally pointless return on the road is in stark contrast to home comforts.
QPR Last 5 (All Comps):
Burnley 2-1 QPR
QPR 0-3 Sheffield United (FA Cup)
QPR 1-1 Swansea
QPR 0-0 Crystal Palace
Arsenal 2-1 QPR
That sequence of results is not pretty reading for R’s fans, but you can bet your mortgage that they will raise their game for our visit.
QPR vs United- Last 3:
United 4-0 QPR- Di Maria; Herrera; Rooney; Mata.
QPR 0-2 United- Rafael; Giggs
United 3-1 QPR- Evans, Fletcher, Hernandez; Mackie.
United are unbeaten against tomorrow’s opponents since 1992, no game is won merely on statistics though it is a great opportunity for United to get back to winning ways and allay any lingering doubts that a return to Champions League football could be in jeopardy.
Danger Man:
Charlie Austin- It took a while for him to find his feet at Premier League level but he is flying at the moment. He recently scooped the December player of the month award, and there is little doubting that his goals will determine whether they remain a Premier League outfit next season.
Team News:
Armand Traore has joined Sandro, Niko Kranjcar and Yun Suk-Young on the casualty list. Rio Ferdinand is in contention to face his former employers.
Robin Van Persie is likely to join Ashley Young in the treatment room, meaning much debated Falcao is in line to start. Rafael and Marcos Rojo will be checked late amid returning to training.
Probable Teams:
QPR (4-5-1): Green; Isla, Caulker, Dunne, Hill; Vargas, Henry, Barton, Fer, Phillips, Austin.
United (3-5-2): De Gea; Jones, Carrick, Rojo; Valencia, Blind, di Maria, Herrera, Shaw; Rooney, Falcao.
Referee: Neil Swarbrick
