Liverpool will look to finish the season with something as close to a bang as they can muster, with Brendan Rodgers’ side having endured a pretty terrible campaign. Heading into the final four games, they’re down in fifth place, with only goal difference keeping them above Tottenham Hotspur after last weekend’s defeat to relegation strugglers Hull City. They look like a team who’ve given up on this season, and understandably so. Could that help Queens Park Rangers at Anfield on Saturday?
Liverpool vs. QPR 2015 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online
Struggling Queens Park Rangers could really do with a win at Anfield on Saturday.
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If there’s one thing QPR need right now, it’s help. They sit down in 19th place as it stands, only a point above rock bottom Burnley. Leicester’s recent resurgence has seen Chris Ramsay’s side fall four points adrift of safety, and they’re quickly running out of time to haul themselves out of the bottom three. They could really do with an unlikely win in Liverpool.
Key player - Charlie Austin (Queens Park Rangers)
There aren’t many QPR players who’re coming out of this season with their reputations enhanced, though striker Charlie Austin is one who certainly is. He’s scored a brilliant 17 goals on his first season in the top flight, which -- for a team struggling near the bottom -- is no mean feat. He’s not scored in his last couple, though the Hoops really need him on form in these decisive final four matches.
Key matchup - Raheem Sterling vs. the QPR defence
With Liverpool having such a mobile attack in the absence of Daniel Sturridge, Rio Ferdinand's absence from the centre of the QPR defence is probably a good thing. Watching him trying to keep up with Raheem Sterling probably wouldn't be a pretty sight. As it is things could well get ugly courtesy of Richard Dunne, who will have to communicate very well with his defensive partner Steven Caulker if they're to stand any chance of keeping a clean sheet.
Liverpool injuries and suspensions
Out: Mamadou Sakho (hamstring), Daniel Sturridge (hip), Jon Flanagan (knee). In doubt: Alberto Moreno (knock), Lucas Leiva (thigh).
Queens Park Rangers injuries and suspensions
Out: Alejandro Faurlín, Eduardo Vargas (knee). In doubt: Rio Ferdinand (muscle), Mauro Zárate (knee), Armand Traoré, Darnell Furlong (calf).
Liverpool's latest injury blow is the news that young full-back Jon Flanagan will be out for the best part of a year with a serious knee injury, while Daniel Sturridge may also require surgery on a hip problem. However, they should have Alberto Moreno and Lucas Leiva back for this match. QPR will stil be without Alejandro Faurlín and Eduardo Vargas, while Rio Ferdinand and Mauro Zárate face late fitness tests.
Match Date/Time: Saturday, 10 a.m. ET, 3 p.m. local
Venue: Anfield, Liverpool, England
TV: NBCSN (U.S.), Sportsnet regional networks (Canada)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S.), Sportsnet World Now (Canada)
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