The game: QPR v Reading (1.30pm kick-off)

(Reading boss Brian McDermott – PA Images)
TV: Sky Sports 1

TWO OF THE league’s bottom three teams meet at Loftus Road, neither having won a single match so far this season.

QPR have had a rotton time of things, and appear to be a team riven by discord under Mark Hughes. The former Blackburn and Manchester City boss always seems to find ways to deflect blame away from himself when the team does badly, but surely he knows that another couple of winless games will bring about his sacking.

Reading, on the other hand, already look a team who know they’re punching above their weight. They did well last week to grab a point against Fulham in an unexpected thriller, but Brian McDermott will know that he’ll have to make several silk purses if they are to survive the drop.

Injuries: QPR – Park, Fabio, Johnson, Mbia (suspended). Reading – Guthrie, Karacan.

The verdict: Draw.

The game: Liverpool v Newcastle (4pm kick-off)

(Liverpool’s players – PA Images)
TV: Sky Sports 1

Even though the game is at Anfield, the Reds know they have their work cut out for them against a Newcastle side that, while not quite as brilliant as last season, certainly know where the goal is.

Demba Ba is expected to return from a thigh problem, with the suspended Cheick Tiote the only high profile Newcastle player missing.

Liverpool are likely to still be without both Glen Johnson and Pepe Reina, as well as long term absentee Fabio Borini.

Brendan Rodgers’ side actually have the chance to overtake Newcastle in the table but confidence is low on Merseyside after the Capital One Cup defeat to Swansea on Wednesday.

Luis Suarez continues to frustrate as much as enthrall his own fans and January can’t come quickly enough for the struggling giants.

Injuries: Liverpool – Glen Johnson, Pepe Reina, Fabio Borini. Newcastle: Cheick Tiote (suspended).

Doubtful: Newcastle – Demba Ba.

The verdict: Newcastle win.

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