Liverpool had not had a great start to the season and they have not been able to reach the heights of their last season, where they challenged for the league against much bigger teams
like Chelsea and Manchester City.
QPR, on the other hand, made a miraculous comeback in 2012 and survived. This term they need to pull off something similar as they have lost the five of the matches and are now at the bottom of the league.
The whole talk will be regarding Daniel Sturridge of Liverpool and about his fitness issue. It was expected that he would make a comeback to the side in this match after being out of the team for a very long time. But the English International endured yet another injury and now will be sidelined for the next four to six weeks. In his absence Mario Balotelli will be leading the frontline along with Rickie Lambert and the Italian has asked the supporters to spare sometime to come off good. It is not like Rodgers is spoilt for choices and he has no valid option other than Balotelli to look forward to.
The other important issue of the press conference Rodgers held was regarding Raheem Sterling. England manager Roy Hodgson accused Liverpool of overplaying him and making Sterling tired, an acquisition Rodgers did not agree to. The youngster will be expected to be in the starting lineup and this goes to show the amount of trust Rodgers has on him and the magnitude of the dependence of the team on the midfielder.
The good news for the Liverpool fans is that both Emre Can and Joe Allen has made a comeback and are fit to take their places in the team. This should solve Liverpool’s central midfield issue and we may be able to see Gerrard taken off in the late stages of the match.
Harry Redknapp is walking on ice as he is watched by the QPR management and the veteran Englishman has won just 5 out of his last 32 Premier League games in charge of QPR, his only win of the season coming against Sunderland in August. He would need to do better or otherwise run the risk of getting fired by the management sooner than later.
The defensive area has been a problem for the Reds and they have kept just one cleansheet in their last 13 matches and this is high time Rodgers looks to sort out their defence. He should be hopeful about the fact that Dejan Lovren is fit and will be in contention for a place in the side.
QPR vs Liverpool Possible starting lineups
Queens Park Rangers: Green; Onuoha, Caulker, Ferdinand, Traore; Hoilett, Henry, Fer, Sandro, Taarabt; Austin
Liverpool: Mignolet; Manquillo, Skrtel, Lovren, Moreno; Gerrard, Coutinho, Sterling, Henderson, Lallana; Lambert
QPR vs Liverpool Match Facts:
- QPR have lost five of their opening seven top-flight matches for the third time in their history. They did likewise in the 2012-13 and 1995-96 seasons, both of which ended in relegation.
- They have committed fewer fouls (60) and amassed fewer yellow cards (eight) than any other Premier League side.
- The Hoops have kept just two clean sheets in their last 20 Premier League games.
- The Reds have kept just one clean sheet in their last 16 matches in all competitions (including 13 Premier League games).
- Liverpool have scored in 14 of their last 15 Premier League away trips to London.
- Mario Balotelli has scored one goal in his last 21 Premier League appearances, despite attempting 66 shots (including blocked efforts) in those games.
Facts compiled from BBC
QPR vs Liverpool Prediction:
A 1-2 win for the visitors.