Matchday Preview: QPR v LIVERPOOL (Premier League)
Venue: Loftus Road
Date: 30/12/12
Kick-Off: 16:00
Luis Suarez will be fit to face QPR on Sunday as Liverpool look to end 2012 on a high note. Suarez picked up an ankle knock during Liverpool’s 3-1 Boxing Day defeat at the hands of Stoke City, but Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that the Uruguayan will be fine for the game at Loftus Road.
After throwing away a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 in this fixture last season, the Reds will hope for a better result this time around against a side that is currently bottom of the Premiership.
Apart from Suarez, Liverpool have no fresh injury concerns going into Sunday’s game and after missing the last two matches, Joe Allen and Raheem Sterling will hope to earn recalls at Loftus Road. Sterling replaced Suso at half-time against Stoke and if Sterling starts on Sunday, it is likely to be in Suso’s place once more.
Allen could come in for Lucas Leiva after Rodgers said that the Brazilian midfielder needs to continue being nursed back to full fitness following a long injury lay-off. Lucas has started Liverpool’s last five league games but has yet to complete a full 90 minutes for the Reds since his return from injury.
Since Harry Redknapp took over from Mark Hughes in November, QPR have taken 6 points from a possible 18. Redknapp will be managing his 600th Premier League game on Sunday and he would love to mark it with a win, but Liverpool go into the match as favourites having won three of their last four league meetings against QPR.
The Hoops could be without defender Ryan Nelsen, who has a virus, while goalkeeper Julio Cesar (back), defender Nedum Onuoha (hamstring) and midfielder Park Ji-Sung (knee) are also doubts.
Whatever happens on Sunday, Liverpool will be glad to see the back of a disappointing year. The Reds will end 2012 with their fewest league victories in a calendar year; their previous low was 14 in 2010 and they have only won 11 league games so far this year. Liverpool have also lost 17 league matches in 2012 – three more than in any other year.
A win at Loftus Road would be provide a lift for Rodgers’ side going into the New Year, but with half of the season gone Liverpool will need better form in 2013 if they are to improve on last season’s eighth-place finish.
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December 29th, 2012
Before every game now , I have 1 wish so we might have a chance
- please please please please DO NOT PICK JOE ALLEN
December 29th, 2012
I expect QPR to win by a couple of goals, I have no faith in our spineless cowards or our clueless inept moron of a ‘manager’, or the clueless inept bunch of Americans who hired him.
If we lose he’s GOT to GO!.
December 29th, 2012
If we win he has still GOT to GO
December 29th, 2012
go to hell
December 29th, 2012
We ARE in hell thanks to Rodgers
December 30th, 2012
We were in he’ll before him
December 29th, 2012
Yes.
I’d almost say its worth QPR winning if it would hasten up the process.
December 29th, 2012
Its sad but true . The best result for our future would probably to lose 6-0 , get the fool sacked , then we can start moving forward
December 29th, 2012
We are sick of his excuses. It’s time LFC sacks him and bring back RB.
December 30th, 2012
The really sad thing is – We will beat QPR easily (they are rubbish ) , and you will get the loopers on here telling us how Rodgers masterminded a great victory , how we are on a roll , and we are just a few points away from champions league places .LOL
Where did Liverpool get all these idiot fans from ?
BR OUT
December 30th, 2012
armchair lunatics , i agree . Any supporter of Rodgers does not love LFC
December 30th, 2012
I have no faith in this inconsistent team and think we’ll be beaten followed by Rodgers telling the press that we played treffic in the first 5 mins and our pressing and intelegent movement was great with us dominating 75% possession and 27 shit shots at goal even though we will lose 3-1 ! Wake up mate , you left a mid-table team and its not accepted here at lfc to finish mid-table and call it progress lol
December 30th, 2012
Lets get that turkey Rodgers out of our club , and he can take ALL the players he bought with him
If we do it quick we dont have to waste money on sturridge
December 30th, 2012
OMG Allen IS PLAYING – How dumb can they get ???????
December 30th, 2012
rubbish team selection v QPR , if they weren’t total muck Liverpool would be in trouble
December 30th, 2012
3-0 . doesnt really matter what score was , Rodgers has got to go