Premier League preview: Liverpool v QPR

Premier League preview:
Liverpool v QPR
8 December 2011
Liverpool welcome QPR on Saturday
looking to arrest a worrying run of
results against the newly promoted
teams.
The Reds have dropped points to both
Swansea and Norwich at Anfield in the
Premier League and in QPR they look set
to face the sternest test of the three.
Liverpool have had no such troubles
against the top sides in the league with a
win against Chelsea, and draws to
Manchester United and Manchester City,
as well as a 2-0 win again over Chelsea in
the Carling Cup last week.
Liverpool's 1-0 loss to Fulham at Craven
Cottage in midweek was their first
competitive defeat for 12 matches and
the Reds will have to make do without
Jay Spearing after he was controversially
red carded for a lunging foul on Moussa
Dembele.
Lucas Leiva's season-ending knee injury
paved the way for Jonjo Shelvey to
return to the club on short notice from
his successful loan spell at Blackpool.
The 19-year-old scored six goals in 10
appearances for Ian Holloway's side and
despite his admiration for the young
midfielder and readiness to keep him,
Shelvey has returned to Anfield to
provide cover for Kenny Dalglish.
He is the most likely candidate to replace
Lucas, along with Spearing when he
returns from suspension.
Meanwhile, QPR boss Neil Warnock is
relishing the prospect of playing one of
the biggest sides in England.
"Trips to Anfield are the reason we're
delighted to be in the Premier League,"
Warnock has said.
And with their promoted compatriots
both returning home with points this
term, Rangers should feel a result is well
within their grasp.
Joey Barton provided much-needed grunt
in the midfield on his return to QPR's line-
up in a 1-1 draw with West Brom last
start while striker Heidar Helguson scored
his sixth goal in nine games.
Following their season-defining 1-0 win
against Chelsea, QPR have just one win in
their past five which has seen them slip
to 12th on the table, a run they will want
to end before the visit of Manchester
United to Loftus Road.