Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has hinted that Raheem Sterling will start against Queens Park Rangers after revealing that the winger has been "brilliant" since returning from international duty.

Sterling allegedly told England boss Roy Hodgson that he was feeling tired ahead of last Sunday's Euro 2016 qualifier with Estonia, but the 19-year-old is expected to begin the Premier League fixture at Loftus Road.

However, Rodgers has suffered a blow with the news that striker Daniel Sturridge has been ruled out for another month with a calf injury suffered in training.

Emre Can and Joe Allen will return to the squad after injuries, but defender Dejan Lovren will require a late fitness test after picking up a knock on Croatia duty.

Liverpool will be hoping to improve their away record after losing two of their three fixtures on the road this season.

Queens Park Rangers boss Harry Redknapp needs a positive result on Sunday afternoon to quieten rumours about his future at the club.

QPR are bottom of the standings after earning just four points from seven games, and an abject display against West Ham United two weeks ago did little to brighten the mood at the club.

Midfield duo Joey Barton and Jordan Mutch will miss the game through injury, but Nico Kranjcar could feature despite suffering with a broken toe.

Recent form

Queens Park Rangers: LWLDLL

Liverpool: WLDDLW

Possible starting lineups

Queens Park Rangers: Green; Onuoha, Caulker, Ferdinand, Traore; Hoilett, Henry, Fer, Sandro, Taarabt; Austin

Liverpool: Mignolet; Manquillo, Skrtel, Lovren, Moreno; Gerrard, Coutinho, Sterling, Henderson, Lallana; Lambert

Sports Mole says: 1-3

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