Queens Park Rangers v Liverpool: The Build Up

After securing a spot in the FA Cup semifinals at Wembley, Liverpool FC return to league play for a mid-week clash at Queens Park Rangers.

Two consecutive wins have instilled some confidence after the 1-0 loss at Sunderland earlier this month, and if they are to catch those above them, a good run is needed until the season's end.

Newcastle United are in sixth, five points ahead, although Liverpool have a game in hand, while looking over their shoulder the chasing pack are circling ominously.

Missing

Manager Kenny Dalglish has today revealed that striker Craig Bellamy and defender Glen Johnson most likely will not play against QPR, saying, "I don't think Glen will be available and maybe not Bellers (Bellamy) either, but we'll wait and see."

"The boys who played on Sunday haven't really trained since, so we'll see how they are this morning. They're coming in later on and we'll analyse what we've got."

The Welshman has not featured since that loss to Sunderland, while Johnson is still waiting to make a first appearance since the Carling Cup final triumph over Cardiff City.

Moving Forward

Getting into the Champions League was always the target this season, but with that now looking a pipe dream, what else can Liverpool do during the rest of the season?

Of course it is important to achieve a respectable position and not slip down the table any more, but it does seem the FA Cup is now the main focus.

A derby-day semifinal against Everton, should they progress, would clearly set pulses racing. Should Liverpool make it to the final, you would expect a stern test from either Chelsea or Tottenham, no disrespect to Bolton Wanderers.

The Premier League could now be the ideal testing ground, whether that be systems or players, and the FA Cup provides a very real chance of securing a second trophy this season.