Kick Off: Friday 30th August, 15:00GMT. Loftus Road.

The Premier League continues this weekend as Sunderland travel to Loftus Road to take on an already floundering QPR side, who are still yet to get off the mark.

Redknapp's side welcome Sunderland to Loftus Road knowing that nothing short of a win will redeem their dreadful start to this Premier League season. After last weeks 4-0 destruction at the hands of Mauricio Pochettino’s resurgent Spurs, Redknapp’s side completed a trio of losses in all competitions. With no points on the board so far and a mandate, that at minimum requires Premier League survival, the R’s need to break their rut quick, or risk losing their season before it has even begun.

Sunderland on the other hand have seen an unbeaten start to the season, including a hard fought draw against Manchester United where they were arguably the most likely team to take all 3 points. Gus Poyet will be hoping to sustain his side’s unbeaten run and in order for Sunderland to ensure safety from relegation this year, wins against teams of the caliber of QPR will be vital. The only disappointment for the Uruguayan manager will have been their inability to take all three points in their two Premier League games so far, a problem that Poyet will be hoping to rectify against QPR.

QPR’s only injury worry comes in the form of Charlie Austin (Hamstring) who will face a late fitness test. The most notable change to the Hoops side will probably come in a change of formation. The 3-5-2 that Redknapp deployed at White Hart Lane will most likely be scrapped in favour of a more traditional, and Premier League compatible, 4-4-2.

In light of this formation change defender Richard Dunne, who was substituted at half time in Ranger’s last game, will most likely make way in order for Chilean striker Eduardo Vargas to make his Loftus Road debut.

Sunderland on the other hand have no injury worries before the clash but the Black Cats will almost certainly face a shake up after making 5 changes for their midweek Capital One Cup win over Birmingham City. Expect Jordi Gomez to be one of a few players to retain their place after a netting in the convincing 3-0 win.

League Form

QPR: LL

Sunderland: DD

Possible starting lineups

QPR: Green; Isla, Caulker, Ferdinand, Traore; Mutch, Barton, Fer, Hoilett; Remy, Vargas

Sunderland: Mannone; Vergini, Brown, O'Shea, Van Aanholt; Rodwell, Cattermole, Larsson; Buckley, Gomez, Wickham

Prediction: Both teams are relatively close in terms of quality on the park with Sunderland slightly better equipped to deal with the rigours of the Premier League life  after having been a more regular fixture over the last couple of years. Expect a close game, but one where Sunderland’s momentum should see them pick up all three points. 2-3

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