The formula is simple for Manchester United: defeat Queens Park Rangers and the champions take an eight-point lead over Manchester City, who kick off later in the afternoon at Arsenal, with only six games remaining for Sir Alex Ferguson's men. Nani should be back to strengthen a squad against Mark Hughes's relegation-haunted team – the spectre the Welshman hopes will help propel Rangers to what would be an invaluable victory, and one that would again turn this season's title race on its head. This seems rather unlikely, though. Jamie Jackson
Venue Old Trafford, Sunday 1.30pm
Tickets £28-50 (0161 868 8000)
Last season n/a
Referee Lee Mason
This season's matches 20 Y53, R0, 2.65 cards per game
Odds Man Utd 1-5 QPR 18-1 Draw 13-2
Manchester Utd
Subs from Amos, Smalling, Jones, Nani, Berbatov, Giggs, Park, Welbeck, Pogba, Cleverley, F da Silva, Keane, Fryers
Doubtful Nani (ankle)
Injured Owen (thigh ,15 Apr), Anderson (hamstring, 22 Apr), Lindegaard (ankle, 22 Apr), Vidic (knee, Aug), Fletcher (bowel, unknown)
Suspended None
Form guide WWWWWW
Disciplinary record Y37 R1
Leading scorer Rooney 21
Queens Park Rangers
Subs from Cerny, Helguson, Hall, Smith, Campbell, Bothroyd, Traoré, Buzsaky, Young, Hulse, Wright-Phillips, Gabbidon
Doubtful Hall (knock), Helguson (groin), Traoré (hamstring)
Injured Dyer (ankle, Aug), Faurlín (knee, Aug)
Suspended Cissé (second of four)
Form guide WLWLDL
Disciplinary record Y48 R6
Leading scorer Helguson 8
Match pointers
• United's total of 76 goals is the second most of any team after 31 games of a Premier League season – United set the record of 78 back in 2001-02
• QPR have not had a victory at United since January 1992 when a Dennis Bailey hat-trick helped them win 4-1
• Antonio Valencia has 12 assists and four goals from 16 top-flight starts this season
• Anton Ferdinand has scored an own goal in his last two appearances at Old Trafford
• United have the best pass completion rate in the division since the return of Paul Scholes – they were sixth best before
