Back in the scoring routine: Rooney and Nani's firepower came back to haunt Wolves last week and it'd be nice to see a repeat of that on sunday.
United could give themselves a huge psychological advantage over neighbours City this Sunday, as the reds look to take three points from Queens Park Rangers in the mid-day kick off at Loftus Road.
If United win, they go top of the table with City hosting Arsenal at the United Etihad Stadium at 4pm. Three points is a necessity against the Premiership newcomers, but as we’ve found out on more than one occasion this term, we wont be in for an easy ride.
United are without Nemanja Vidic, reportedly ruled out for the season, along with Darren Fletcher, Tom Cleverley, Javier Hernandez, Anderson and Michael Owen. The injuries are certainly building up, and Alex Ferguson will have to delve deep in to his squad to pick the right team for this one.
Dimitar Berbatov is fit again and could start upfront for the Reds and we could see a call up for youngster Paul Pogba. There have also been reports that Rafael is in contention once again.
For QPR, front man DJ Campbell is likely to make his first start since October after coming off the bench at Anfield last week following a toe injury. Centre-back Anton Ferdinand is a doubt whilst Kieron Dyer faces being out for the rest of the season.
United go to London to play a QPR side who’ve suffered four defeats in their last six outings. Heidar Helguson has bagged six goals in his last seven games which is a great return, but they’ve also been hit by injuries.
We’re lucky to get through a game without picking up injuries at the moment, and it’s interesting to read that by the end of the year, nine of our players will have missed at least a quarter of the season.
However, we’re in good stead to take the game to QPR, and despite the doom and gloom merchants thinking everything is woeful at Old Trafford at the moment, we’ve won five of our last six games, and conceded only two goals. Nani and Rooney have got themselves back in the scoring mould gain, and that can only be a good thing to go in to the game with.
Fast facts:
- Manchester United have won eight and lost none of the last 11 meetings with QPR in all competitions.
- United have also won four and lost none of their last seven trips to Loftus Road in all competitions.
- QPR have won just one of their seven Premier League home matches this season – the joint-fewest in the division.
- Man Utd have won just six of their last 21 Premier League away games in London (W6 D7 L8).
- Manchester United have lost just one of their last 18 Premier League matches (W13 D4 L1) and won five of the last six (W5 D1).
- 79% of the goals Man Utd have conceded have come in the second half, the highest proportion in the top flight.
The outcome:
I firmly believe that, come 2pm on Sunday afternoon, United will sit proudly on top of the Premier League.
QPR play some great football, and with Joey Barton orchestrating things they’ll give us a good game. However, with their recent form I think we’ll more than match them all over the park, and can see us coming away with a victory by two or more clear goals. I can’t see us putting on a show, and I think it’ll be a case of getting the job done, rather than entertaining the millions who’ll be tuning in.
Wherever you’re watching it, enjoy the game.
Follow me on Twitter: @stevecrab
Wish united all the best at the end of 90 minute we will celebrate.