Liverpool v QPR - Preview

Such is the unpredictable form QPR seem to be enjoying this season Saturday`s fixture against Liverpool is an intriguing one indeed. Neil Warnock`s men clearly raise their game against the bigger sides but appear to struggle against teams of Wigan and Norwich calibre. Hence, the reason why, although I fear the worst tomorrow, part of me believes we will get a result.

Liverpool`s recent record against newly-promoted and bottom half teams isn`t the most convincing. However, after their loss to Fulham on Monday it could be a bad time to play them as Kenny Dalglish will be demanding a big performance from his side this weekend. On the other hand, Neil Warnock has said that his boys in blue and white will be heading to Anfield with the intention of taking the game to Liverpool which makes for a cracking encounter.

The prospect of playing at Anfield will surely inspire the R`s to up their game, which leads me to believe our performance will be greatly different to that against Norwich and West Brom. Liverpool have shown glimpses of what they are capable of this season and on their day are a potent counter-attacking side. The enigmatic Luis Suarez will no doubt be a handful tomorrow and referee Lee Mason will need to be fully concentrated so his isn`t fooled by Suarez`s movement and ability to draw soft fouls.

QPR 1 (Helguson)
WBA 1 (Long)

Team: Cerny, Young, Traore, Ferdinand, Gabbidon, Faurlin, Barton, Mackie, Wright-Phillips, Bothroyd (Buzsaky), Helguson.

Fulham 1 (Dempsey)
Liverpool 0

Team: Reina, Johnson, Enrique, Skrtel, Agger, Spearing (Sent off), Adam, Henderson, Bellamy (Downing), Suarez, Carroll (Kuyt)

Jay Spearing is suspended after being sent off against Fulham on Monday. With Lucas Leiva and Steven Gerrard injured, Jordan Henderson is likely to move into the centre of midfield.

Possible line-up:

Vital QPR has singled out Luis Suarez as the One to Watch this weekend

To read our profile of the player Click Here >>>

Matthew Connolly is back in contention having recovered from ankle injury which has kept him sidelined for the past ten weeks. DJ Campbell and Kieron Dyer are both back in training but aren`t ready for selection this week.

Possible line up:

Since moving into centre midfield, the outspoken Barton has been nothing short of a revelation and the R`s skipper looks like he has been playing alongside Ale Faurlin his whole career. Faurlin and Barton are in my opinion one of the best midfield pairings in the league (as biased as that may seem). Barton`s energy across the park is staggering and against Norwich his presence was clearly missed as the performance that day lacked a spark. With Barton and Faurlin up against Charlie Adam and Jordan Henderson, I certainly favour our chances of winning that particular battle on the pitch.

LAST FIVE

Queens Park Rangers: LLWLD
Liverpool: DWWDL

HEAD 2 HEAD

Queens Park Rangers: 7
Liverpool: 30
Draw: 8

LAST TIME OUT

Premiership - 11/02/96
Loftus Road

QPR 1 (Dichio)
Liverpool 2 (Wright, Fowler)

Team: Sommer, Bardsley, Brevett, Yates, Maddix, Barker, Sinclair, Holloway, Quashie, Gallen, Dichio

Attendance: 18,405

Referee: Mr L Mason
Assistants: A Halliday & M McDonough
Fourth Official: Mr M Clattenburg

Lee Mason is the match official for Saturday`s game. This season Mason has issued 42 yellow cards and 2 red cards in 13 games.

To read more see: Ref Watch >>>

I genuinely believe the game will be an exciting and open affair much like the Man City and Chelsea games earlier this season. With Liverpool`s attacking threat and lack of cover in centre midfield (due to injuries) countered by QPR`s gung-ho approach I don`t see it being a game that will disappoint. QPR seem to have no fear in these fixtures which has treated them admirably so far. If they can maintain a high level of belief then anything is possible. It has to be said that Liverpool`s attacking threat is a given and Anton Ferdinand and Danny Gabbidon will need to be fully focused against the dynamic Suarez, who is a livewire. In truth, the amount of defensive errors has risen in recent weeks, which is a worry. However, QPR are an unpredictable side and could pull off an upset, although I still fancy Liverpool to win this one.

3-2 Home Win.

Who:Manchester United

Where:Loftus Road

When:18/12/11 - 12:00

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