Man United – QPR

The struggling Manchester United will look for their first win in all competitions this season when they meet another side in need of points, QPR.

The horrible start of the season for United is well documented: 3 games, 2 points, lost the only home game and were also trounced 4-0 by MK Dons in the Capital One Cup. There is big pressure on van Gaal to deliver, especially with the colossal spending effort by the board. The 3-5-2 system implemented by the Dutch manager does not seem to work, especially with a low-quality back line, but it remains to be seen if van Gaal and United will benefit from the 2 week National Team break.

QPR got promoted via playoffs this season but I can easily see them going straight back to the championship. Just like last time they were in the Premier League, QPR has big names, but can`t play a good game to save their lives, and I reckon Harry Redknapp is to blame, an overrated manager in my opinion. QPR got their first points of the season last round by defeating Sunderland 1-0, but Sunderland is not playing too well right now and it was a home game. Previously QPR lost 3 out of 3 games (2 in the league, 1 in the League Cup) without scoring a single goal and their last road game was absolutely horrible, a 4-0 beating by Tottenham in a game where QPR barely got out of their own half, created zero danger and could have easily received 6 or 7 goals.

Team news & lineups

United continues to have a load of injury worries: Carrick, Fellaini, Jones, Wilson, Lindgaard, James and Johnstone are all out. Smalling, Young, Shaw, van Persie and Rafael are doubtful. However, most of these guys can be replaced, and we should see Falcao, Blind and Rojo in action today, possibly Shaw as well. QPR only has Faurlin unavailable, while Barton is a doubt. Rio Ferdinand will return to face his former club.

Manchester United: De Gea – Smalling, Rojo, Shaw – Rafael, Herrera, Blind, Di María – Mata – Rooney, Van Persie.

QPR: Green – Isla, Caulker, Ferdinand, Hill – Phillips, Sandro, Kranjcar, Hoilett – Fer – Austin.

Obviously I do not trust Louis van Gaal and I don`t think United will have a great season, but I do believe they will manage to win this match rather comfortably, covering a handicap in the process. QPR is just dirt poor, I have little doubt they will relegate and they were simply atrocious in their last away game at Tottenham. Sheer talent only should allow Manchester United to win, but I think we might see some improvements as well for the hosts, with van Gaal and Di Maria having more time to settle with the national team break, with Falcao set to make his debut. Also, QPR is a particularly poor road team. My tip is Manchester United to win and cover the 1,5 goal handicap. Can`t see myself betting on United anytime soon, but this time I`m pretty confident and the odds are decent as well. Prediction: Manchester United – QPR 2-0.

Pick: Manchester United (-1,5)
Odds: 1.80 @ Ladbrokes
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 6.40
Event date: 14 September