Played
December 18, 2011 12:00 PM GMT
Loftus Road Stadium — London
Referee:‬ H. Webb‎
Attendance:‬ 18033‎
 
 
 

QPR - Manchester United Preview: Champions set to stretch unbeaten Premier League streak at Loftus Road

Sir Alex Ferguson's side have made a habit of grinding out narrow away victories in the league of late and will go top if they can edge out the struggling Hoops this weekend

By Josh Clarke

EPL,Wayne Rooney,Manchester United v Wolverhampton Wanderers
Getty Images

PROBABLE LINEUPS

QUEENS PARK RANGERS

Cerny
Traore, Hill, Gabbidon, Young
Faurlin, Derry, Barton
Wright-Phillips, Helguson, Bothroyd
MANCHESTER UNITED

De Gea
Evra, Ferdinand, Evans, Smalling
Nani, Carrick, Jones, Young
Rooney, Welbeck

The most glaring omission for the Hoops will be the ever-enigmatic Adel Taarabt who is still on the route to recovery from a thigh muscle strain. Similarly crocked are Paddy Kenny (thigh) and Anton Ferdinand (hamstring), while current goalscorer-in-chief Heidur Helguson faces a late fitness test of the groin problem that saw him miss out at Anfield.

It’s likely that Neil Warnock will plump for largely the same personnel who were narrowly edged out by Liverpool, with Shaun Derry coming in to provide extra cover in the middle.

Sir Alex Ferguson also has a spate of injuries to contend with following the additional headaches supplied by the long-term absences of Darren Fletcher and Nemanja Vidic. The duo join the Da Silva twins, Javier Hernandez, Anderson, Dimitar Berbatov plus assorted others in the Carrington treatment room. With that in mind, it’s likely that United will give Phil Jones another chance to impress in midfield, as well as utilise the dual attacking threats of Nani and Ashley Young on either flank, with Danny Welbeck and Wayne Rooney up top.

 DID YOU KNOW?

  • Manchester United have hit the back of the net just once in each of their last three League games away from Old trafford, clocking up three 1-0 results before this weekend.
  • Shaun Wright-Phillips (pictured right) has had more shots without getting on the scoresheet than any other Premier league player, failing to hit the back of the net in 32 attempts.
  • United are undefeated in their last 11 outings against QPR, winning eight of those meetings.
  • United have won just six of their last 21 Premier League games in London.
  • QPR have lost four of their last six Premier League games.
  • United have conceded 79 per cent of their goals in the second half - the highest proportion in the league.
  • Heidur Helguson has scored six goals in his last seven top-flight appearances.
  • QPR have never beaten Manchester United in the Premier League.
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Field Report
Reader's Predictions
Top 3 Predictions
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Last Five Matches
Odds
Returns: QPR £710.00 WilliamHill Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25
Returns: Draw £410.00 WilliamHill Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25
Returns: Manchester United £15.00 Bet365 Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200
Team News
Available Squads
24Radek CernyGoalkeeper
6Danny GabbidonDefender
16Matthew ConnollyDefender
3Armand TraoréDefender
18Luke YoungDefender
11Alejandro FaurlinMidfielder
17Joey BartonMidfielder
11Shaun Wright-PhillipsMidfielder
12Jamie MackieStriker
14Jay BothroydStriker
9Heidar HelgussonStriker
1Paddy KennyGoalkeeper
6Clint HillDefender
2Bradley OrrDefender
4Shaun DerryMidfielder
10Adel TaarabtMidfielder
9DJ CampbellStriker
21Tommy SmithStriker
1David de GeaGoalkeeper
6Jonny EvansDefender
5Rio FerdinandDefender
3Patrice EvraDefender
12Chris SmallingDefender
4Phil JonesDefender
16Michael CarrickMidfielder
17NaniMidfielder
7Antonio ValenciaMidfielder
10Wayne RooneyStriker
19Danny WelbeckStriker
13Anders LindegaardGoalkeeper
19Ezekiel FryersDefender
11Ryan GiggsMidfielder
7Ji-Sung ParkMidfielder
18Ashley YoungMidfielder
9Dimitar BerbatovStriker
14ChicharitoStriker
Players to Watch
Alejandro  Faurlin
Alejandro Faurlin
Position: Midfielder
Squad Number: 11
Games Goals YC RC
0 0 0 0
Unperturbed by the current barren patch QPR find themselves in, several clubs have sat up and paid attention to the displays of Faurlin in the heart of the Hoops' midfield. If you believe the papers, at any rate.

The Argentine’s variety and tempo of passing has been one of limited plus points for the home side this season and he will prove key to any hopes QPR have of unpicking Manchester United this weekend. He probably wouldn’t mind edging himself closer to the front of the shop window, either.
Ashley Young
Ashley Young
Position: Midfielder
Squad Number: 18
Games Goals YC RC
19 0 1 0
An emphatic start to life at Old Trafford from the summertime signing from Aston Villa has now been largely overshadowed by a series of frustratingly unproductive performances.

Wayne Rooney and Nani may be back to goalscoring ways for the defending Premier League champions, but they will also need Young to step up if they’re going to have any hope of outgunning their cross-city counterparts over the course of the season. A good performance here from the winger would be the perfect tonic for Sir Alex Ferguson.
Prediction
A return to prolific form in front of goal against Wolves hardly suggests United are firing on all cylinders, yet they have too much clout to be worried by QPR. Helguson might cause Evans and Ferdinand a few problems but on the whole, I can't see this game going anyway other than an away win.
Editor's Prediction
QPR 1
Results
 
Top Scorers
Player   Goals Penalties
Robin van Persie Robin van Persie
Striker
Manchester United
26 3
Luis Suárez Luis Suárez
Striker
Liverpool
23 0
Gareth Bale Gareth Bale
Midfielder
Tottenham
21 0
C. Benteke C. Benteke
Striker
Aston Villa
19 3
Michu Michu
Midfielder
Swansea City
19 0