SportsRooter.com: Queen Park Rangers

Preview: Everton vs QPR

Everton have a poor record coming into the Premier League after a European outing. The Merseyside’s fabulous run last season is memory this year as the season has been marred with inconsistency. They host QPR at Goodison Park on Monday. This clash could see English international John Stones return to the side after a lengthy spell out. The Toffees have impressed in Europe, despite a shock defeat on Thursday. With Everton thrashing QPR 4-0 last season in the FA Cup one wonders if there is any other way. An extra day could benefit Everton as they look to stake a claim for the Champions League. They have had an inconsistent surge up the table and in an unpredictable, open race for Europe they could have done with last season's form.

Everton FC

QPR go into the clash with a poor away record but more worryingly without their star and top goal scorer Charlie Austin! The Londoners home form has allowed them to get off the base of the table and they will hope to fix their away form. Adel Taarabt, is a player Harry Redknapp would need fit and willing to play for the side. They have won more games this season than their last Premier League adventure. Against a tired and confident deprived Everton side they have an opportunity to grab a point. Rio Ferdinand has not brought much of his past excellent abilities, instead he has a lack of pace, seems to be bringing disharmony in the side.

Key players:

Rob Green - Wall. The reason the hoops have managed four wins in this campaign. A morale boosting clean sheet against Burnley was just reward and the stopper will be required to stop the Belgian beast in Rome Lukaku.

Kevin-Mirallas - A world class talent. That strike against Spurs told us everything about the player. His pace injection, skill and ability to execute trickery will be key for the home side especially against a defense that is not confident.

Article contributed by: Benedict Chanakira

Twitter: @bchanakira2

Manchester United 4-0 QPR: 5 Talking Points

United hosted Queens Park Rangers at Old Trafford on Sunday, and their record signing Angel di Maria inspired a morale-boosting 4-0 victory for the Reds to break their win less streak.

Manchester United's Juan Mata after scoring against QPR

1.) New formation = New United?

Louis van Gaal opted for a 4 man defense in this match, mainly because he didn't have enough defenders to play his 'preferred' 3-5-2 system, but the result and the dominant performance must have made van Gaal think a bit about which system he will implement when he has a fully fit squad. Though I still think the 'Iron Tulip' will try and make United fit into a 4-3-3 system.

2.) The Angel Effect

United's record signing, Angel di Maria, showed just why he is worth every penny of the 50 odd million which saw him leave Real Madrid to join Old Trafford. The Argentine, who is currently one of the best players in the world, was head and shoulders above everyone else on the pitch, and ultimately inspired his side to the 4-0 victory.

3.) The Blind-Herrera Partnership

It was finally incredible to see us actually competing in midfield for once, and that was down to Ander Herrera and Daley Blind's fantastic performances. While Herrera played his normal box-to-box role, Blind was always there to cover up defensively which also allowed di Maria to attack freely and go charging up trying to lead a counter attack. These two will be key players as the season progresses.

4.) A Good Midfield = A Good Mata

In the opening matches of the season, Juan Mata has underperformed to say the least. The Spaniard found little freedom in his preferred role and failed to link the defense to attack like he was supposed to. However, with a midfield of Herrera, Blind and di Maria, Mata performed his role much better and that was visible on the pitch. Additionally, he also scored a goal which would have given him a much needed confidence boost.

5.) Strikers still a bit rusty?

Whilst captain Rooney found the back of the net with a nicely taken goal, van Persie and loan signing Radamel Falcao still looked a bit rusty, with both missing a couple of good chances which would've undoubtedly been buried if they were in top form. It is hardly concerning though, I am pretty sure they'll be back to their best soon.

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