(A) QPR - Pre Match Thoughts

Premier League

                                        Sunday 30th December 2012

                                             Loftus Road

                         Queens Park Rangers VS Liverpool

The difference between what should happen and what does transpire is one that shapes the game. Upsets are a part of the game and the very unpredictability of it is what makes football so great. That doesn't mean they have to happen all the time however. It's a mixture of pessimism and masochism which lures you into believing the worse. Like when we face a team that's bottom of the league with one win all season and you're convinced they're going to win.

 Of course, this game might say more about ourselves than QPR. They need it more than we do - survival will become rather desperate for them sooner rather than later - but even so, our inconsistency may be the key rather than their willingness to fight. Harry Redknapp is nothing if not a good motivator and if anything is to happen in terms of their battle to avoid the drop it will have to start at home.

One thing that has come through already this afternoon is the news that Brendan Rodgers will not be with the team due to illness. This complicates things and adds a different spin on the game, due to the frantic nature of what could happen and how Colin Pascoe - whom I'm guessing will be in charge - might see it. While this is something of a inconvenience, there is also chance for a massive blow to the team as Luis Suarez could possibly be missing due to an injury. Even when you're facing the lowest team in the league, nothing is straightforward.

 Last year this game was one of - far too many - deplorable lows. Having been two goals to the good only to throw it away, it was the moment which not only Champions League qualification looked to be finished but even making the top six was going to be a struggle. It was the final straw on what was then to become a really regrettable season, in spite of winning the league cup. Much like Sebastian Coates' magnificent goal here last season, it was negated because of what followed. We've been the catalyst for far too many Premier League resurrections over the years and I would hate to see us give another lifeline once again.

 2012. A year which has shaped the future of Liverpool Football Club like all those before it. Kenny Dalglish took us to Wembley three times, but lost his job because of the depths we'd sunken to in the league. Now, with Brendan Rodgers, we go into the new year with hope of a brighter future and a better tomorrow. What better way to see out the year and underline all that then, than with a victory.