Who would have thought going into the last Saturday of February that Manchester United could potentially go 15 points ahead of title-rivals Manchester City before Roberto Mancini’s side face-off against Chelsea at home?
On paper United’s trip to Loftus Road should be a formality. After all Harry Redknapp’s side have struggled all season having only won twice in the Premier League to date.
That being said Rangers have certainly improved since Redknapp’s arrival and despite their poor standing in the table could still yet turn their season around and avoid relegation, but they do need to pick up points, more-so win’s soon.
United should be able to beat QPR. However Rangers put in a valid display back in November in defeat at Old Trafford, where they took the lead just after half-time thanks to a Jamie Mackie strike before United woke up on their way to scoring three unanswered goals to secure the three points.
With Wayne Rooney ruled out thanks to a sinus problem it shall be interesting to see who partners Robin van Persie up-top for United. Javier Hernandez must be pushing for a start after scoring the winner against Reading in the FA Cup, however Danny Welbeck’s physical presence would probably come in handy particularly when you consider the fact former Blackburn defender Chris Samba will be in the heart of QPR’s defence.
Samba tasted victory the last time he faced United when a Yakubu inspired Blackburn put aside their relegation-form in stunning fashion to leave Old Trafford with three points in December 2011. The Congo-star was rock-solid at the back that day and was a threat as ever from set-pieces where he helped win a penalty after being fouled by Dimitar Berbatov.
QPR will be buoyed by the fact that they have held both Spurs and Manchester City to goalless draws since Redknapp’s arrival and they simply cannot afford to turn up and roll over for United. They would love nothing more than to rip the form-book up and secure a famous win.
There’s no doubt they will do their best to make it hard United’s attacking-players to have time on the ball. No QPR player can afford to be carried in this match and they will need to start the game well to have any chance of pulling of an upset.
Despite the outstanding form of Julio Cesar, United will know that they will get chances and they will need their wingers to be at their best, something that hasn’t happened too often this season. Nani could well be called upon and whilst he changed the game when replacing the injured Phil Jones against Reading, too often the Portuguese International has been found wanting in the ‘bread and butter’ league games.
He just like every United player tomorrow has to step up and deliverer the goods, if United play as well as they can they should beat QPR. If they don’t it will be seen as a major disappointment which would give the blue half of Manchester confident of clawing back at what should be a points-lead unattainable to reach.
By Adam Dennehey @ADennehey87
I agree that tomorrow is a massive game for Man Utd. It is bigger than some people may even think. It will be a tough match and Man Utd will need to be at their best to get the victory. I think Welbeck will start alongside Van Persie as its an away match and because of Samba presence as well. The opportunity to go 15 points clear is too good to miss out on. Maybe Ferguson just needs to show that Aguero goal before the match, it should be enough to get the players 100% determine not to miss this chance. We need Man City to play Chelsea 15 points behind us. If they win then fair play, but any dropped points and it will be huge with just 11 games left.
Man Utd have a history of making life difficult for themselves, but hopefully tomorrow will not be one of those days and we will get the job done. The next two games are big for Man Utd and its a chance to take real control of the title race.