3 Key Battles That Will Decide QPR vs. Manchester United: Charlie Austin vs. The United Defence And More

Manchester United saw their unbeaten streak come to an end as they lost 1-0 at home to Southampton. Southampton had lost to United earlier when they were the better team and this time around they ensured they got all 3 points from Old Trafford. United might have dominated possession but there was nothing much to show in front of goal.

Radamel Falcao wasn’t even in the first team and Angel Di Maria had an absolute stinker of a game. United now sit in 4^th position and face a tricky tie as they travel to London to take on QPR. QPR have got all their points this season from Loftus Road and will be looking to gain a few more points as they try to stay afloat in the Premier League.

An exciting game is on the cards and we look at the 3 key battles which could decide the destiny of the points in this game.

1. Charlie Austin vs. The United defence

One of the inform strikers in the Premier League, Charlie Austin has been an absolute beast for QPR and they would have had no chance of survival had he not been playing the way he has. Austin has scored 13 goals in just 19 appearances in the Premier League this season and he will look to have a go at a United defence which really hasn’t been at its best since the start of the season.

If Austin gets a goal at the start of the game, they could make it 2 or 3 if they play their cards right. United have to be careful when dealing with the tricky striker.

2. Joey Barton vs. Wayne Rooney

Joey Barton knows a thing or two about getting stuck into people’s faces. The tough tackler will be looking to take on probably Manchester United’s greatest threat, Wayne Rooney. Rooney has been playing in a more creative role behind the strikers which means that he gets to pick up the ball from deeper in midfield.

Barton is known to be a tough tackler and he could be deployed just to ensure that Rooney does not have a good game. Nullifying Rooney could be a major achievement for QPR and Barton is the right man for the job.

3. The QPR defence vs. Robin Van Persie

RVP

With Wayne Rooney playing deeper and Angel Di Maria not looking at his best, the onus of scoring could fall on Robin Van Persie who has himself not been at his best for quite a while but playing against the QPR defence is a different story. The QPR defence isn’t really known for having fast centre backs as they play with a back three and United should be looking to exploit that.

QPR don’t have to worry about Wayne Rooney playing as a striker but might have to keep an eye out for Robin Van Persie, who would just need one good chance to make a difference and make QPR pay.