QPR vs. Liverpool: How the Reds Should Line Up in Premier League Clash
Liverpool travel to London to face Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road on Sunday (1.30pm kick-off) following a two-week break for internationals.
Brendan Rodgers has been rocked by another injury setback for forward Daniel Sturridge, suffered in training on Friday on the eve of his return to the squad after seven games out.
The Reds' last time at the home of Harry Redknapp's struggling QPR saw the visitors walk away with a comfortable 3-0 victory; a similar result would be just the tonic to get Rodgers' side flying after the break.
Mind, the last meeting before that saw QPR overturn a 2-0 deficit to score three goals in the last 13 minutes and take all three points, winning 3-2.
Rodgers has numerous selection dilemmas facing him for this match; there's Mamadou Sakho and Dejan Lovren both missing at centre-back; who should start up front; and should Raheem Sterling play?
Should Rodgers continue with a 4-2-3-1 formation? Or return to the midfield diamond?
We take a look at how the Reds' should line up for the match.
GK: Simon Mignolet
1 of 10
Rumours continue to surround a move for Victor Valdes, with the latest reports via This Is Anfield claiming the Spaniard's agent will fly to Merseyside next week, but until he arrives, Simon Mignolet remains No. 1 for Liverpool.
It's been an indifferent start for the Belgian, making some good saves but lacking presence on set pieces. He must improve.
RB: Glen Johnson
2 of 10
Sidelined since the defeat at Manchester City in August, Glen Johnson returned from injury as a substitute last time out against West Brom.
The 30-year-old looked assured and, according to former Liverpool defender Rob Jones, is looking sharp in training.
Jones told This Is Anfield:
"He came on as a sub for the last game and he looked really sharp and really fit. I also saw Glen playing a game at Melwood, a mix of the first-team and U21s, last week and he looked really really good again.
He’s had an injury but I think a rest has done him well because he was away at the World Cup, so I think there’s possibly three right backs there.
You definitely need that rest every now and then and I could definitely see that difference in him.
"
CBs: Martin Skrtel and Kolo Toure
3 of 10
It wouldn't be a Liverpool fan's preferred choice, but due to injuries to Dejan Lovren and Mamadou Sakho, we'll see the return of Kolo Toure alongside Martin Skrtel.
The duo lined up alongside each other on occasion last season; away to Hull City, Stoke City, Fulham and West Brom (conceding nine goals in those four games).
There is, though, a chance Lovren could be fit, as explained by Rodgers at his pre-match press conference on Friday.
LB: Alberto Moreno
4 of 10
Alberto Moreno was dropped by Spain Under-21s manager Albert Celades for "technical reasons" on Tuesday.
The 22-year-old is comfortably Liverpool's first-choice left-back and will be eager to get going again for his new club.
CM: Steven Gerrard
5 of 10
After starting nine of Liverpool's 10 games so far this season, the international break provided 34-year-old Steven Gerrard with a much-needed break.
A cameo as an attacking midfielder against West Brom late on could see Rodgers use the captain in a more advanced role more often now with Sturridge sidelined.
CM: Jordan Henderson
6 of 10
Jordan Henderson is first-choice midfielder for club and country and impressed last time out against West Brom.
He's looking to add goals to his game and will be eager to add to his first goal of the season against the Baggies.
CM: Joe Allen
7 of 10
Liverpool have missed Joe Allen more than some fans would believe.
The Welshman is a composed presence in midfield, complementing the work of Henderson and offering protection for Gerrard by pressing opponents well. His last appearance was the 3-0 win at Tottenham in August and his return will be welcomed by Rodgers.
AM: Adam Lallana
8 of 10
Adam Lallana got his first goal for the club in his most impressive performance so far last time out against West Brom.
The 26-year-old is back to fitness and showing form for both club and country.
FWD: Mario Balotelli
9 of 10
Dropped or rested, depending on your angle, for the last game against West Brom, Mario Balotelli was also dropped from the Italy national squad.
That means he's had plenty of time to work in training alongside Rodgers over the international break.
One goal in eight appearances for his new club so far isn't a great return, and he needs to add goals to his game for the Reds.
FWD: Raheem Sterling
10 of 10
Balotelli admitted earlier this week that he prefers to play alongside a strike partner, as per The Independent.
That makes Sturridge's injury all the more frustrating.
But rather than pair Balotelli with Fabio Borini or Rickie Lambert, Rodgers could opt to partner him with Raheem Sterling in attack.
The irony of this week's headlines surrounding the teenager is that he's actually had a physical, if not psychological, rest, having only played 45 minutes against San Marino and 26 minutes against Estonia.
Without Sturridge, Liverpool need Sterling's pace and movement in attack. He's the club's top scorer with three goals so far this season.
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
