Our predicted line-up for United’s visit to Loftus Road.
Louis van Gaal will be looking to get his Manchester United side back on track after their 1-0 loss to Southampton last week when they visit relegation strugglers QPR on Saturday.
The Red Devils boss will have a big decision to make over the role of much maligned striker Radamael Falcao who was dropped from the starting XI and the bench in favour of youngster James Wilson.
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The Colombian’s lack of form and poor displays have led van Gaal to challenge him to prove his worth in the press amid rumours Falcao’s representatives are pushing United to sign him on a free.
However, the Dutch coach’s hand may be forced with Robin van Persie picking up an injury last week against Southampton and definitely out of today’s match and Falcao may have to start.
Here’s our predicted line-up:
GK: David De Gea
Was undone by some sloppy defending in-front of him in United’s previous match and will remain between the sticks against Redknapp’s side despite the fact he now has serious competition for his place with the addition of Victor Valdes on a free transfer.
RCB: Phil Jones
Jones has been one of the stronger faces at the back this season for the Red Devils and will keep his place as van Gaal tries to find balance in defence.
CB: Chris Smalling
Looked to be caught out a few times against Saints but United’s lack of real cover means the English centre-back will have to cope once again despite his performances hardly filling one with confidence.
LCB: Daley Blind
Put in some tantalising balls from the left wing back position that could have seen United stage a comeback against Southampton.
However, Van Gaal will likely start the adaptable Dutchman again in defence as he attempts to fulfil his 3-5-2 ideology, even if it’s to Blind’s detriment.
RWB: Antonio Valencia
Valencia has looked resurgent in form this season after a sub-par season with David Moyes last year, the right wing back position appears to suit him. Though van Gaal is hamstrung by an injury to Ashely Young preventing his ability to rotate.
RM: Marouane Fellaini
Fellaini looks set to be recalled in the centre after a lacklustre display from United’s midfielders last week. The Belgian will certainly put himself about to try and muster a response from him teammates.
CM: Michael Carrick
In and out of the side so far this season, it is clearly hard for Carrick to work up any semblance of form but if called upon you’d expect the veteran to put in a competent display.
LM: Angel Di Maria
His stint up top with van Persie didn’t really work against Ronald Koeman’s side and with the Dutchman out injured, van Gaal may drop the Argentine into the middle and send captain Wayne Rooney up top for a more punchy striking impact.
LWB: Luke Shaw
Difficult first season so far for Shaw at United and was sacrificed against Southampton when United were looking to win but will be back again against QPR to try and work his way into form down the left.
CF: Radamel Falcao
Maligned and dropped, almost ridiculed in the press by van Gaal however the coach may have to swallow his pride and start the Colombian with van Persie out injured and no other clear option in attack save for youngsters.
CF: Wayne Rooney
Rooney may be recalled upfront with Di Maria dropped to the middle due to the absence of van Persie and he Argentine’s sub-par performance last week, a shame as he’s done well orchestrating from the middle so far this season.