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Manchester United can go to the top of the Premier League this weekend, at least temporarily, when they take on QPR at Loftus Road on Sunday.
After what looked to be a horrendous week for Sir Alex Ferguson things took a turn for the better after his side’s win against Wolves was swiftly followed by Manchester City’s first defeat of the season that reduced their gap at the top to just two points from the reigning champions.
Now, with their Champions League exit still fresh in their memories the Red Devils will have renewed enthusiasm to make the league title their main focus this season and will look to flex their muscles against QPR ahead of City’s game against Arsenal getting under way a few hours later.
United go into the game with an ever-growing injury list that could seriously hamper their title challenge, with Darren Fletcher the latest in a long line of casualties.
The Scot is taking an indefinite break from the game as he looks to overcome a serious bowel condition ulcerative colitis amidst fears his career could be in danger.
Elsewhere in midfield Tom Cleverly and Anderson remain on the sidelines and won’t be back until well into the new year, leaving Ferguson with a serious shortage of players in the middle of the park.
Ferguson has been linked with making a move in the January transfer window form some of the best midfield talent around Europe, but whether the Scot can be persuaded to change his obdurate stance that there is no value to be had in the mid-season window.
In attack United have also suffered badly on the injury front, with Michael Owen joined on the long-term injury list by Javier Hernandez, with both men out til the new year.
Dimitar Berbatov is a doubt for the fixture having missed out in the 4-1 win over Wolves last weekend but could still play, but Ferguson may be tempted to opt for Danny Welbeck to start in attack alongside Wayne Rooney.
With both Da Silva twins injured and Nemanja Vidic out for the season, the Red deils have been forced to shuffle at the back, with Chris Smalling filling in at full-back and Jonny Evans and Rio Ferdinand forming the centre-back pairing.
QPR meanwhile have been struggling with their form of late, and have failed to pick up a win on their last six games since their controversial 1-0 win over Chelsea.
Match Winner
Manchester United haven’t lost in the league since their shock 6-1 defeat against Manchester City in October, and as far as the bookmakers are concerned, that record will stay intact beyond the weekend.
United are 1.50 (1/2) with BetFred to take all three points and move temporarily to the top of the table, while QPR are 8.00 (7/1) with StanJames.
The Draw is 4.40 (17/5) with VC Bet.
First Goalscorer
QPR will be looking to recreate the performance that saw them come so close to beating Manchester City earlier in the season, and key to that performance was Heidar Helguson, who was a constant thorn in City’s side.
The Iceland international is 12.00 (11/1) withBet365 to open the scoring while his regular partner in crime Jay Bothroyd is priced slightly shorter at 11.00 (10/1) with the same bookmaker.
United will be able to call upon Wayne Rooney up front and the England international is 4.33 (10/3) with Coral, while Danny Welbeck is 6.00 (5/1) with BlueSQ.
Recommended Bets
First Goalscorer: Wayne Rooney, 4.33 (10/3) Coral
Correct score: 3-0 Manchester United, 10.00 (9/1) Paddy Power
January 6th, 2012 at 3:24 am
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