Manchester United vs. QPR: Picking Red Devils' XI to Win Heavily at Old Trafford

By (Correspondent) on April 4, 2012

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Manchester United entertain an in-form Queens Park Rangers at Old Trafford this game-week. And if recent results are indicative of anything, United will have to be overly cautious to avoid shedding points to Mark Hughes' team. 

QPR have already defeated juggernauts like Arsenal and Liverpool, and they have enough grit and determination to grind out a result against the Red Devils. 

The match is of enormous significance to both sides: Manchester United to retain the rift between them and crosstown rivals Manchester City, and QPR to survive for another year of top-flight football. 

Sir Alex Ferguson has been in such positions before, and he won't be complacent. I envision a hiding.

Here's picking the Red Devils' starting XI to win heavily at Old Trafford.  

Goalkeeper

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Alex Livesey/Getty Images

In the last game against Blackburn, David de Gea was simply superb, showcasing the world-class reflexes and shot-stopping ability he was brought in for. 

Marcus Olsson's half-volley looked destined to enter United's goal. Thankfully, de Gea produced the sort of saves he has been producing recently. 

De Gea has grown in stature and confidence, and he has some great games under his belt. He has been highly composed at all times and dealing with aerial threats effectively.

With Anders Lindegaard still out, de Gea is Sir Alex Ferguson's easiest pick.  

Defenders

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 08:  Patrice Evra of Manchester United goes past Markel Susaeta of Athletic Bilbao during the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 first leg match between Manchester United and Athletic Bilbao at Old Trafford on March 8, 2012 in Manc
Jamie McDonald/Getty Images

Left-Back: Patrice Evra

After his strong performances against both Fulham and Blackburn, Patrice Evra now has two great games under his belt. Nevertheless, he needs to stop hogging the ball sometimes and pass it to more capable players. 

 

Center-Backs: Rio Ferdinand and Jonny Evans

Both central defenders were effective in neutralizing Blackburn. I expect both of them to start. 

 

Right-Back: Rafael

Rafael will surely start at right back, as he has been immense after coming back from injury. In the game against Blackburn, as in most games, he has combined extremely well with Antonio Valencia. 

Midfielders

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Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Central Midfielders: Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick

Despite lacking that extra level of creativity against Blackburn to create opportune moments, both of these midfielders distributed the ball highly effectively. 

Their passes were accurate and their holding immense. However, I expect them to contribute more than just passing the ball to Valencia. 

 

Attacking Midfielder Left: Ashley Young

What a goal it was that Ashley Young scored against Blackburn. The goal probably gave both Young and Sir Alex immense confidence, and I think he will start against QPR. 

 

Attacking Midfielder Right: Antonio Valencia

What a player Valencia is turning out to be. 

Clearly the man of the match against Blackburn, he has been my favorite player to watch all season long, and he has not disappointed in the slightest.

Against Blackburn, United turned to him again to break the deadlock.

He combines well with Rafael on the right-hand side, and his selfless game play is to be lauded. He also comes back and defends quite astutely. For example, he made four tackles in the game against Blackburn. 

Strikers

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Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Javier Hernandez: 

Despite being the lone man against Blackburn, Hernandez did all he could with the limited opportunities presented to him. 

Of course, his finishing could have been a lot more clinical in that game, but he did see one great attempt saved by an equally impressive Paul Robinson. 

Furthermore, considering the lackadaisical game that Danny Welbeck played last time around, Sir Alex will probably pick Chicarito to start. 

 

Wayne Rooney:

Against Blackburn, Rooney was deployed as a left-winger.

Although he was not disappointing, I would rather have him playing up front or at least as an attacking central midfielder. 

I expect him to leave a profound mark in this tie-up. 

Substitutes

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Michael Regan/Getty Images

The following will be the substitutes:

Ben Amos

Fabio

Luis Nani

Tom Cleverley

Paul Pogba

Ryan Giggs

Danny Welbeck

 

What do you think of the lineup? Please leave your opinions.

 

Follow me on Twitter: @BrenGoetze

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