Form guide
There's no doubting that seven wins on the spin for United is championship form - in fact, the Reds have now racked up 10 victories and one draw (Chelsea away) from the last 11 fixtures in the league. There were three consecutive defeats in the Europa League but the focus domestically has been spot on. Meanwhile, Queens Park Rangers have only accrued two points from their last nine Barclays Premier League fixtures on the road since winning at Stoke. However, Mark Hughes' charges have boosted their survival hopes with shock home successes against Liverpool and Arsenal.
Ins and outs
Nani is ready to return for United after a full week of training, but Anderson and Michael Owen are still unavailable, as are . long-term absentees Nemanja Vidic and Darren Fletcher. Ashley Young will hope his impressive stint as a substitute at Blackburn will earn him a recall. As for QPR, former Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse is suspended but Heidar Helguson and DJ Campbell look likely to be ready to return after groin and hamstring injuries. Federico Macheda is out after an ankle operation but the on-loan Ranger would have been ineligible in any case. Kieron Dyer and Alejandro Faurlin are sidelined.
Last meeting
The Reds defeated the West Londoners 2-0 a week before Christmas with Wayne Rooney's first-minute opener and Michael Carrick's solo effort doing the damage. For the last Old Trafford encounter in the league, you have to go all the way back to 1995 when Andy Cole and Ryan Giggs scored - and William Prunier played - in a 2-1 triumph, with substitute Danny Dichio replying for Rangers. The
sides met in Manchester more recently in the Carling Cup, back in 2008 with Carlos Tevez netting the only goal from the penalty spot.
Opposition boss
Mark Hughes had a tough task keeping the capital club up after replacing Neil Warnock but he's making progress and, according to Sir Alex, has "galvanised" his side. A great United striker in his hey-day, following two spells at Old Trafford, he was a major contributor to the Reds' cause in the 1980s and 1990s. 'Sparky' played for a number of clubs after leaving the club in 1995 and his management CV includes Wales, Blackburn and, of course, Manchester City. It was a surprise when he left Fulham last year but he's managed to obtain employment just up the road on a two-and-a-half year contract.
Star man
Bobby Zamora has been described this week as the best lone striker in the top flight by his manager and the QPR hitman has caused United problems in the past. A muscular threat who never gives centre-backs a moment's peace, he has scored two goals for his new club since moving across London from Fulham in January. Zamora scored in the 3-0 defeat of Sir Alex's side in 2009 for the Cottagers and he will be a handful again this weekend.
Quote/unquote
"There's no doubts certain elements of my approach are the same as Sir Alex's. I would be crazy if they weren't. If I had to name them, it is his demands on players, his attention to detail - and his will to win" - QPR boss Mark Hughes.
Sub-plots
Mark Hughes has some history with the club he served so well as a player since taking to management, most notably in his time as City boss - including in the famous 4-3 derby at Old Trafford. Rangers' relegation battle has received a real boost with the wins against Liverpool and Arsenal and confidence will be high for Sunday's trip. Of course, the title race dominates United's thoughts and there is the opportunity to go eight points clear at the top on the final whistle.
Rivals watch
Manchester City have a difficult examination at Arsenal with the match kicking off soon after the finish at the Theatre of Dreams. Victory for the Reds would heap more pressure onto Roberto Mancini's men going into the Emirates Stadium encounter. Sunderland vs Tottenham and Liverpool vs Aston Villa are two eye-catching fixtures on Saturday.
Friday 6 April 2012
WWE Brock Lesnar Stats
6'3"
266 lbs.
Minneapolis, Minn.
F-5
WWE Champion; 2003 Royal Rumble Match winner; 2002 King of the Ring
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