Queens Park Rangers and Liverpool are two teams which thus far have failed to meet expectations for the 2014/2015 Premier League season. After a high profile transfer window with each team losing their main source of proven top-flight firepower, both QPR and Liverpool are struggling for form.

Last season’s should have been champions, Liverpool, have by no means displayed poor footballing efforts in the grand scheme of things. However, with the loss of Daniel Sturridge to injury, the Reds have had to rely on the underperforming Mario Balotelli and the now ageing Steven Gerrard, whose presence in the starting lineup has be questioned recently by some Liverpool fans. Luckily though for Liverpool, QPR youth product Raheem Sterling has been in excellent form, continuing to impress at the tender age of 19. It seems likely that Sturridge will return to the starting lineup against Rangers and will be an important cog to his side.

While a win could be the injection the Reds’ season needs, a loss could have a far greater impact and could potentially sink them deep into the lower half of the table. Regardless of the two-week international break, Liverpool should be able to formulate a game plan that sees them hold the majority of possession and force QPR on the back-foot. The home side have a propensity to crumble under pressure, especially if they go a goal behind, so expect the visitors to come flying out of the blocks.

QPR on the other hand, are in a fraught situation. Their dismal displays have seen them concede 15 goals and has left them propping up the Premier League table. The repeated rhetoric of “things will be different this time around” seems less and less convincing as both Rio Ferdinand and Sandro continue to put in poor performances. In short, the team as a whole looks uncomfortable playing together. Harry Readknapp’s job is potentially on the line over the next few weeks with both Tim Sherwood and Tony Pulis rumored as possible replacements. Redknapp’s stubborn persistence in playing Ferdinand, who is well past his sell by date, and seems more concerned about selling books and tweeting than he does about QPR, has become detrimental to Rangers defense.

If the Rs don’t turn their season around soon, then another relegation scrap looks as if it could be in the cards. The last time QPR were destined for relegation, but somehow turned their season around was in 2012 when they were 2-0 down to Liverpool at Loftus Road. With less than 15 minutes to go Rangers somehow found some luck and the determination to score three goal quick-fire goals to claim one of the club’s most memorable victories. The difference between that QPR team and the current one is that the 2012 team lacked the skill to properly compete at the top level, but had the passion and drive needed to fight for the club. This current team seems to almost be the complete opposite, and it does not seem likely they will get a positive result against the Reds this time around. One ray of hope is that Joey Barton could possibly return from injury and bring back some much needed composure.

Rangers’ home form somewhat promising so far this season, and if they can avoid little defensive mistakes, get service to Charlie Austin, and put their chances away then a revival could be in the works, but it won’t happen on Sunday.

Prediction: QPR 1 Liverpool 3