Premier League: QPR vs Liverpool match preview

A look ahead to this weekend's Premier League fixture at Loftus Road

Mario Balotelli says manager Brendan Rodgers plays him as a lone striker for Liverpool while he is used to two up front (Getty Images)

Rock-bottom QPR welcome Liverpool to west London on Sunday, as both teams look to fire themselves up the table.

Harry Redknapp’s side have lost five of their opening Premier League games this season, with their only win coming against Sunderland in August, as well as having the worst goal difference in the league.

The Hoops need to steady the ship sooner rather than later and Redknapp should take into account the remarkable comeback QPR mounted back in 2012, using this as an incentive for his side to upset the odds and claim a valuable win.

Inconsistent Liverpool are still to hit the heights of last season, with the loss of Luis Suarez still hanging over them. His replacement Mario Balotelli is yet to find any form and has failed to score in the Premier League so far this season.

Raheem Sterling, who has been the centre of controversy this week, should start and the clubs top-scorer will look continue his fine form against the struggling hosts.

The Red’s sit in the top half of the table but Brendan Rodgers is still looking for more from his side and knows they cannot afford to lose for a fourth time in eight games

KICK-OFF: Sunday, 1.30pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Liverpool 1 (Coutinho) QPR 0, Premier League, May 13

QPR 0 Liverpool 3 (Suarez 2, Agger), Premier League, Dec 12

QPR 3 (Derry, Cisse, Mackie) Liverpool 2 (Coates, Kuyt), Premier League, Mar 12

STATS…

After a run of 11 successive Premier League wins in between Feb-Apr, Liverpool have won just four of their last 10 matches in the competition (W4 D2 L4)

Harry Redknapp has won just five of his 32 Premier League games in charge of QPR (D10 L17)

The Reds have kept just one clean sheet in their last 13 Premier League matches

Rob Green has been forced in to making more saves than any other goalkeeper this season in the Premier League (26)

Mario Balotelli has scored just one goal in his last 21 Premier League appearances, despite attempting 66 shots (inc. blocked) in these games

ODDS…

QPR to win: 6

Liverpool to win: 1.6

Draw: 4.2

TV: Live on Sunday Sky Sports 1 at 12.30pm, Highlights on Sunday BBC1 at 10.30pm.