After another international break marred by controversy, Liverpool will be looking to pick up from where they left off as they travel to Loftus Road to face QPR on Sunday at 13:30 GMT.
With Raheem Sterling revealing he was "too tired" to play for England earlier in the week, his domestic manager wants to re-focus on improving the club's Premier League standing. Currently sitting in 9th position, a win would catapult Rodgers' men up to 5th, above rivals Manchester United.
Similarly, Harry Redknapp will be hoping his side can get back on track, after losing their most recent fixture 2-0 to West Ham. Currently lying rock bottom of the table by virtue of their -11 goal difference and just 4 points, and the R's will be looking to record their second win of the season, after they beat Sunderland on matchday 3.
Team News:
The international break was slightly more forgiving this time around as the Reds suffered only two injury scares with Dejan Lovren and Lazar Markovic. Their availability for Sunday’s game remains to be seen, but Rodgers did say he was hopeful of Lovren playing in his pre-match press conference at Melwood on Friday.
Lovren’s potential unavailability along with Mamadou Sakho’s means Rodgers now only has two fit centre backs at his disposal in Martin Skrteland Kolo Toure – whose only match action this season has come against Middlesbrough in the Capital One Cup.
Much better news is that that the Liverpool boss is hopeful of having Joe Allen and Emre Can fit to return to the match-day set-up for the game, providing a welcome boost as the Reds have clearly missed them.
Mario Balotelli will most likely lead the line for tomorrow's clash. Brendan Rodgers stated that the Italian has been “working like a lion over the past fortnight” and that “no one is more determined than him to impress and show his worth.” With news that Daniel Sturridge is set to face another month on the sidelines, Liverpool fans will be putting all their faith in Balotelli. So far the striker has failed to show his true quality, scoring just once for the Reds, but Rodgers still has faith in the young Italian.
QPR midfielders Joey Barton and Jordan Mutch will miss Sunday’s encounter with hamstring injuries. However, Nico Kranjcar could be involved despite suffering a broken toe in training. Alejandro Faurlin is a long term absentee for Harry Redknapp’s side after suffering yet another knee injury. Rio Ferdinand is likely to start at the back for the Hoops and the ex Manchester United man will be itching to keep Liverpool out and keep a clean sheet, although his side have conceded 15 goals this season. Chilean duo Mauricio Isla and Eduardo Vargas will both be assessed before the game following international involvements this week.
Prediction:
QPR 0-2 Liverpool.
