Rodgers and resurgent Reds looking to compound crumbling QPR’s woes

Liverpool (odds-on favourites to win at 4/7) have not yet eased into their stride this season, with last term’s swagger seemingly having disappeared along Las Ramblas with departed superstar Luis Suarez.

Brendan Rodgers, then, should be breathing a sigh of relief for many reasons as he prepares his side for this upcoming clash with Premier League strugglers QPR. The Hoops have historically had little luck against the Reds, with Liverpool enjoying 33 victories over the west Londoners in all competitions.

The Anfield outfit also put seven past QPR in their last three visits to Loftus Road, and will be expecting to make it two wins on the trot against Harry Redknapp’s team.

Rodgers will be happy to finally see his players doing their talking on the pitch, following an eventful international break. Liverpool top scorer Raheem Sterling will be aiming to put the fatigue fiasco squarely behind him, and is 9/5 to reap the benefits of his midweek rest by netting anytime.

Controversial Italy attacker Mario Balotelli has also been attracting attention for the wrong reasons, having been omitted from Antonio Conte’s latest international squad, and appearing to complain about the Reds’ tactical set-up.

Speaking recently, Balotelli stated that playing as a lone striker does not suit him: “If it was my choice, I would always go with two strikers. It’s the way I like to play, but Brendan asked me to play as the first striker.”

The mercurial forward will be not be pleased by Daniel Sturridge’s continued absence, as the dancing England frontman is set to miss out once again. Fans may have to wait up to a month longer to be able to see Balotelli and Sturridge paired in attack, in a combination promises to be as potentially explosive, in many ways, as last campaign’s SAS strike partnership.

Balotelli is good value at 5/1 to step up and compensate for star man Sturridge’s set back, and get into the swing of things by firing home first to help bring the Merseyside men’s jive back.

In a much-needed fitness booss for the Reds, midfielders Joe Allen and Emre Can are ready to leave the treatment table and fight for selection, whilst defensive duo Mamadou Sakho and Dejan Lovren could also be in contention for a spot.