Man Utd Match Centre
Man Utd vs QPR Preview, Team News, Likely Line-Ups, Key Man + Predicted Score
Premier League action returns this weekend as Manchester United take on Queens Park Rangers at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon. Here’s a match preview
Manchester United will look to kick start their season when they take on Queens Park Rangers at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.
Louis van Gaal has endured a tough start to life in the hot-seat since taking charge at United, with a home loss to Swansea followed by successive draws away to Sunderland and Burnley.
However, there is a new sense of optimism around Old Trafford following the arrival of several high profile signings, with Radamel Falcao and Daley Blind set to make their bows after making deadline day moves to the club.
Luke Shaw and Marcos Rojo are also expected to make their long-awaited debuts, and the quartet will join Angel Di Maria in a new-look line-up this weekend that will hopefully see United get back to winning ways.
Rio Ferdinand is set to face his former side having moved to Loftus Road on a free transfer after being released by the former champions at the end of last season, and the defender is sure to get a warm welcome from the Old Trafford faithful.
QPR went into the international break off the back of a 1-0 win over Sunderland, with that win coming after successive losses to Hull and Tottenham, so Harry Redknapp will be keen to build some momentum.
Team News
Falcao is expected to come straight into the starting eleven which could see Robin van Persie miss out, depending on how van Gaal decides to line his team up for the game.
Luke Shaw is also fit to play some part although he’s unlikely to complete the full ninety minutes. Blind and Rojo will also feature while Di Maria should make his home debut.
Phil Jones has been ruled out for up to four weeks with a hamstring injury so he joins Chris Smalling on the sidelines. Michael Carrick and Marouane Fellaini remain out but Ander Herrera is in contention.
Rafael could come in to replace Antonio Valencia in the right wing-back position, but Reece James, Ashley Young, Jesse Lingard and James Wilson are all out.
QPR will hand a late fitness test to Joey Barton with the midfielder struggling with a hamstring issue. Niko Kranjcar is expected to make his debut having made the move on deadline day.
Likely Line-Ups
Key Man
Radamel Falcao: All eyes will be on the Colombian hitman as he makes his debut following his move from Monaco. His goalscoring record has been superb at every club he’s played for so you wouldn’t bet against him opening his account tomorrow.
Predicted Score
Man Utd 2-0 QPR: It’s going to take some time for United’s new team to gel but I think they’ll have too much firepower for QPR to handle tomorrow, with the Red Devils running out 2-0 victors in the end.
What team would you like to see start and whats your predicted score for the game?
