Good afternoon! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for today's Premier League showdown between Liverpool and Queens Park Rangers. Both sides have not been in the best form coming into this match but, with four games remaining of the season, still have clear objectives for the closing stages of the campaign. It should be an intriguing clash at Anfield. Let's start with a look at the hosts...

It has been a topsy-turvy campaign for Liverpool, who have struggled with the loss of Suarez to Barcelona and Sturridge to injury but looked at one stage like salvaging something from their season. They made a really poor start, but a 13-match unbeaten run during the middle of the season thrust them back into Champions League contention, while the trip to the semi-finals of both cup competitions looked like furthering their hopes of a successful campaign.

It will ultimately go down as a disappointing one, however, with exits in the last four of both of those cup competitions accompanying a poor recent run of form that has all but ended their Champions League hopes. The gap to fourth-placed Manchester United is still seven points with just four games remaining and, even if they can close that gap temporarily to four with victory here, it would take a major collapse from United to throw away the final Champions League place.

There was a slip-up from the Red Devils last weekend as they fell to a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Liverpool's neighbours Everton, but Brendan Rodgers's side failed to take advantage of that. A goalless draw against West Brom a day before United's loss had already made their job hard, before Tuesday's night's meek defeat at Hull City surely put the final nail in the coffin. Michael Dawson goal gave the Tigers all three points at the KC Stadium following another uninspired display from the Reds.

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In truth, Liverpool's performances in their last two games after the FA Cup semi-final defeat to Aston Villa have suggested that they gave up on their Champions League after their back-to-back defeats to Manchester United and Arsenal respectively. Their season is in real danger of petering out but, while Champions League football may now be beyond their reach, the Reds can't afford to have one eye on their summer holidays yet. Tottenham and Southampton are hot on their heels and, with Villa in the FA Cup final, their could be one less Europa League spot up for grabs in the league.

Liverpool have only picked up four points from the last 15 available, winning only one of their last five league games following that 13-match unbeaten run. Only Burnley (1) and Newcastle (0) have managed fewer points over the last five games, which speaks volumes as to why Liverpool's Champions League challenge has fallen short. They are without a win in three games in all competitions, all against bottom-half teams, so QPR will fancy their chances of getting something from this one today.

It is clear to see where their main problems have come this season, with their tally of 47 goals scored only just over half the amount they had at the same stage of last season. They ended the campaign on 101 goals that time around, but the absences of Suarez and Sturridge have really hit the Reds hard. They have failed to score in their last two games, and another blank this afternoon would make it three in a row in the Premier League for the first time since March 2005. Things are better at the other end, with only Chelsea keeping more clean sheets than Liverpool this season, but goals win games, and Liverpool simply haven't scored enough this season. Indeed, no team has scored fewer in the top seven.

Their home form has remained decent despite their recent dip in form, with Manchester United the only visiting team to come away with a league win from Anfield since November. They have won seven and drawn three of the 11 matches since then, while in all competitions their home record stands at just one defeat in their last 16. There have been more draws in that run (seven, with eight wins), but they are certainly a tough team to beat in front of their own fans.

That will not come as particularly welcome news to QPR, whose away troubles have been very well documented this season. The Hoops lost a record 11 games on the bounce on their travels at the start of the season, not picking up their first points February. Things have improved of late, however, with all seven of their away points coming in their last five games. They still have the worst away record in the division, but they have scored at least once in their last nine on the road, including seven goals in their last two.

If they can keep that improvement going until the end of the campaign then it could prove vital, with three of their final four matches coming on the road. They face a tricky double-header in their next two, with a trip to Manchester City following today's game, but a home tie against Newcastle United and final-day meeting at Leicester could provide them with the points they need to stay up. Given the form of the Foxes, however, QPR may need three results to go their way, which means pulling off a shock against either Liverpool or City.

In that respect, QPR could take confidence from Hull's victory over Liverpool on Tuesday, which was made all the more important by the tough run the Tigers have at the end of the campaign. However, that improved form from Hull has made things a lot more difficult for QPR, who began the day four points from safety. That gap looks like growing to five by the time they start this match, with Leicester on the verge of making it five wins from six. They lead 10-man Newcastle 3-0, and the Foxes' form has also exacerbated QPR's troubles in recent weeks.

The Hoops could have been in a more comfortable position had they picked up three points against West Ham last Saturday, and they had a glorious chance to do just that. Charlie Austin missed from the penalty spot, however, and in the end they could only manage a goalless draw that did little for their survival hopes. We will only know just how costly that miss was at the end of the campaign, but it is fair to say that QPR may have been down already if not for Austin, so it is hard to attach too much blame to him.

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QPR have established themselves as a tough team to beat over the last month or so, with champions-elect Chelsea the only team to manage it in April, and even then they needed an 88th-minute winner to get the job done. They have lost a league-high 21 games all season, but even stemming the flow of losses is unlikely to be enough now. They need to win matches, and they have only managed that once in their last nine league games and twice in their last 17.

In contrast to Liverpool, scoring goals has not been their problem this season. QPR are the top scorers in the bottom eight of the table, but their defensive record was the worst in the league going into this weekend. They have conceded 59 goals, with the goalless draw against West Ham being their first clean sheet in nine games. The goals have dried up of late at the other end, however, with none in their last two games. They haven't gone three league games in a row without scoring since December 2013.

Leicester are now just five minutes away from beating Newcastle, which would leave Aston Villa as QPR's target to overhaul in 17th place. The Villans host Everton this afternoon, so Ramsey will no doubt have one eye on that game. Realistically, it is looking like the Hoops will need at least two wins and a draw from their final four matches of the season to survive now. However, their fate is out of their hands, so it would be a risky ploy to play for the draw today as even that may not prove to be enough. Considering Liverpool's frail confidence right now, Ramsey may be attempted to attack here.

TEAM NEWS: The teams are in for both sides, and the headline news for the hosts is that Gerrard returns to the side and Lambert starts up front. Lallana also comes in for Allen, while Liverpool will continue with their recent switch to four at the back. QPR, meanwhile, make just one change as fit-again Leroy Fer replaces Zamora in the side. Full teams for both sides coming right up...

LIVERPOOL STARTING XI: Mignolet; Can, Skrtel, Lovren, Johnson; Gerrard, Henderson, Lallana; Sterling, Coutinho, Lambert

LIVERPOOL SUBS: Ward, Toure, Moreno, Lucas, Allen, Ibe, Markovic

QPR STARTING XI: Green; Onuoha, Caulker, Dunne, Hill; Phillips, Sandro, Barton, Henry; Fer; Austin

QPR SUBS: Wright-Phillips, McCarthy, Yoon, Kranjcar, Hoilett, Zamora, Grego-Cox

What can we make of those two sides, then? Well, perhaps the biggest decision for Rodgers to make this afternoon was who to start up front. With Sturridge likely to miss the rest of the season and Balotelli out with a foot injury, it was a straight choice between Sterling and Lambert. The latter gets the nod to make a rare start for his boyhood club, and he will be keen to make his mark. The spot may well be up for grabs for the final four games of the season now and, if Lambert can impress, he could well increase his chances of staying at the club next season.

Another scouser returns to the side in midfield as Gerrard turns out for the penultimate time at Anfield, presuming he will place against Palace later this month. This is his final month as a Liverpool player, with the summer move to Los Angeles drawing ever closer. He missed out entirely against Hull but will be desperate to go out in fitting fashion over the closing weeks of the campaign, capping off what has been an illustrious and legendary career with the Merseyside club.

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A little further forward, it is Coutinho who has been Liverpool's most impressive player this season, earning a place in the Team of the Year for his exploits. The Brazilian can blow a little hot and cold at times, but when he is on form he is a magician with the ball at his feet. He was one of few Liverpool players who did well in midweek and, considering he has scored in both of this previous Premier League meetings with QPR, will be confident of maintaining that good form today. Sterling will also support Lambert having seen his form drop off a little in recent weeks amid the ongoing saga over his contract.

Henderson is another who has impressed this season, taking on the captain's armband during the regular absence of Gerrard. He will surely be named permanent skipper once Gerrard leaves, although he faces some competition from Skrtel at the back. The Slovakian will once again operate in the back four alongside Lovren today, with Rodgers having switched from his back three in recent weeks. Can continues on the right with Johnson on the left and Moreno only deemed fit enough for the bench.

As for QPR, they have been dealt a blow by the absence of Zamora, who has been struggling with a hip injury for some time now. The big striker may not be the most prolific, but he has formed a really good partnership with Austin and can be a handful when in the mood. Fer, who himself has missed a lot of time through injury recently, makes his first start since February to replace Zamora, and the returning midfield is expected to play just off Austin.

Speaking of Austin, the striker has been the standout player for QPR this season and, despite his missed penalty last time out, still has 17 league goals to his name this season. His importance to the team is perhaps best demonstrated by the fact that he has 36 goals for the club since the start of the last campaign - 29 more than any other QPR player in the same timeframe. He has certainly proved himself in the top flight, and it would be a surprise if he stayed at QPR should they be relegated this season.

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There are no changes elsewhere from Chris Ramsey as he sticks with the majority of the side that drew 0-0 last time out. Caulker and Dunne will not have great memories of this fixture having both scored own goals in the reverse, but they will be eager to build on their rare clean sheet against West Ham last weekend, while in Onuoha and Hill they have two other players who could make things very tight in central areas for Liverpool. Couple that with a combative midfield and the hosts may find it tough to play through QPR today.

PREDICTION: Right, we're 10 minutes away from kickoff at Anfield, which means that it is time for a prediction! Neither side are in great form heading into this one and, while it isn't a dead rubber for Liverpool, you'd have to say that QPR are in more need of a victory today. Even so, Liverpool have been good at home this season while QPR, even with their recent improvement, have a torrid away record. I'm going to go for a 2-1 victory for the Reds.

In a rare turn of events, my two colleagues on the Sports Mole Sofa agree with me when predicting a Liverpool victory today. You can see what they had to say about this match in our video preview below:

QPR do not have the best record at Anfield, it must be said. They have only ever won here once, and that victory came 24 years ago as they triumphed 3-1 over the then-reigning champions in March 1991. Of the other 21 league meetings between the sides at Anfield, Liverpool have won 19, including five victories and a draw in their five Premier League encounters.

Leicester have already beaten Newcastle in the day's early kickoff, with the Magpies shipping three goals and seeing two men sent off on their way to a shocking eighth consecutive defeat. That is a bad result for QPR, but Newcastle are by no means out of the mire yet and a win for the Hoops here would drag John Carver's side even further into trouble. There are four other 3pm kickoffs today, and you can follow live commentary of each one with us on Sports Mole.

We're just two minutes away from kickoff now, and the players are out and almost ready to go! This is a huge game for QPR, but don't underestimate the importance for Liverpool too. They need to get out of this rut before the end of the season to prevent of summer of pessimism.

KICKOFF: QPR get us underway on Merseyside as they look to emulate Hull and give themselves a timely survival boost with victory over Liverpool.

DISALLOWED GOAL! QPR think that they have taken the lead inside 40 seconds as a corner goes straight in! It was a low delivery towards the near post and the marking from the Reds was shocking as the ball was bundled home at the front post. However, the ball went out before being poked home by Fer, and the goal is disallowed.

Well, that was a big early scare for the hosts! It was a bizarre incident, but it looks to be the right decision from the officials as the ball had just crept out. Liverpool are now settling themselves into the game with a bit of possession following that let-off.

The hosts are now controlling possession in these opening exchanges, but one or two of their passes have been a little overhit. QPR are looking to get about their opponents, but Liverpool are doing a good job of keeping it away from them at the moment.

Johnson makes a bright burst down the left wing before being stopped by some good defending from Dunne. The ball is quickly played up towards Austin, who chases it down the channel and does really well to win a free kick up against two red shirts.

CLOSE! Again a cross into the box causes Liverpool problems as a scramble ensues inside the area after the initial free kick had been nodding back into a dangerous area. Caulker eventually got a shot away, but Mignolet had it covered as it bobbled just wide.

SAVE! Again QPR threaten as a long ball forward drops to Fer, who shrugs off the challenge of Gerrard while taking the ball down and immediately then looks for goal. His effort is a decent one and forces Mignolet to scramble across to tip it wide.

The resulting corner is only cleared as far as Henry, but his effort is high and wide of the Liverpool target. He should have done a little better there, but he was a fairly long way from goal and had a crowded penalty box in front of him.

This has been a really good spell from QPR over the last five minutes or so. The visitors are putting plenty of crosses into the Liverpool box, which is clearly a ploy from Ramsey with Phillips's delivery. The hosts are struggling when it comes to aerial battles at the moment, and it is QPR who look most like scoring right now.

SHOT! Barton is caught in possession and Liverpool suddenly burst into life with a quick break. The ball eventually finds Henderson, who squares it for Gerrard running onto the ball. He looks to unleash a trademark long-range effort, but drags it some way wide.

Better from Liverpool in the last few moments as they begin to see more of the ball inside the QPR half. Still no clear chances for the hosts, but they have at least got through that nervy period when QPR were putting them under some heavy pressure.

SAVE! Liverpool's best opening of the match comes courtesy of a QPR mistake as Barton gives the ball straight to Lambert in a dangerous position. The striker uses Coutinho's overlapping run as a decoy before going for goal himself from 20 yards, but Green gathers well at the near post.

YELLOW CARD! The first card of the games is shown to Gerrard, who was beaten in midfield by Fer and tripped him on his way back, trying to make amends. It is a bit of a soft one, but you can see why the referee brandished the yellow.

First blood goes to Liverpool, and it is a really smart finish from the in-form Coutinho. The Reds win the ball in midfield and immediately get on the front foot, with Sterling sliding the ball to Lambert. The striker cuts inside really well before slipping a pass across to an unmarked Coutinho, who takes a touch before curling his effort into the top corner.

CHANCE! That goal looks to have sparked the hosts into life, and they have a couple of decent chances to doubled their lead here. First Lallana looks to be through on goal before the defence recover to put it behind from a corner. Gerrard's resulting delivery is a good one towards Skrtel, but he can't get enough on his stooping header to turn it goalwards.

UPDATE: This is shaping up to be a very damaging day for QPR. Not only are they losing, but Aston Villa are also winning, in addition to Leicester's earlier triumph. Sunderland were also leading Southampton, but the Saints have equalised at the Stadium of Light.

SHOT! Lallana looks to join Coutinho on the scoresheet with a snapshot from range that flies narrowly over the top. It was a rather floaty effort, but Green had to watch it all the way.

Half-chance for QPR as a free kick is lifted up towards the edge of the box. Caulker wins the first header before seeing the ball rebound back to him, but he has to take his shot quickly and can only skew an effort well off target.

At the other end of the field Liverpool come forward, but again Gerrard miscues from a dangerous position. He was never really set this time, however, leaning back and slicing wide from the edge of the box following Sterling's square pass.

Lambert is never going to match the work ethic of a Suarez or Sturridge, but he has held the ball up well today so far. His assist for the goal was a very good one, and he has done his first-team chances no harm in this opening half an hour or so.

PENALTY SHOUT! Big penalty shout for Liverpool as Sterling's cross strikes the arm of Hill, who has a good distance away from the winger. He tilted his body into the ball a little too, but Martin Atkinson waved the claims away. I've certainly seen those given!

I've just seen a replay of that penalty incident, and it certainly looks like it should have been a spot kick. Hill's arm was in an unnatural position and he leant into it as Sterling's cross came in. I'm not quite sure how Atkinson hasn't pointed to the spot there!

DISALLOWED GOAL! It is Liverpool's turn to have a goal disallowed, and it is a shame as it would have been a lovely team goal. Lambert slipped the ball inside for Henderson, who sent Sterling through with a lovely flick. Sterling finishes with aplomb, but is rightly flagged for offside.

SHOT! Austin has been relatively quiet today, but he gets a chance to shoot here as Fer slides a square ball into his around 20 yards from goal. He immediately spins on the ball and tries to curl one into the top corner, but it ends up a few yards high and wide.

Liverpool are controlling the ball right now and looking the more likely to get the game's second goal. QPR have looked dangerous when they've got the ball up to Fer, but Liverpool have stemmed the source of danger for the most part.

Really good burst from Can as he strides forward from defence as he loves to do. He shifts the ball away for Barton, who dives in and concedes a free kick in a very dangerous position. Over to you, Stevie...

SAVE! It is a fine effort from the Liverpool skipper and he curls it over the wall and towards the corner, but Green gets across really well to make the save. He was at full stretch there, but got two hands to it to parry it away from danger.

Almost a chance for Liverpool as Henderson's corner is just in front of Lovren and Gerrard. There was no QPR player on the front post to clear it and it bounced into a very dangerous area before the referee awards the visitors a free kick.

YELLOW CARD! Sandro is the second name in the book, and he can have no complaints. He flew in on Henderson and caught the Liverpool midfielder on the foot long after the ball had gone.

A minor flash point in the QPR box as Lallana and Hill exchange angry words. I'm not quite sure what sparked it, but both sets of players were quickly in to keep the peace.

There will be a minimum of one minute added time at the end of this first half.

The first half comes to an end at Anfield, and it is Liverpool who go into the break with the lead over QPR. As things stand, they would close the gap on Manchester United to four points, with the Red Devils not in action until later this evening. It has been an improved performance from the hosts, who deserve their lead at the break and are on course to end their three-match winless streak.

The goal came courtesy of Philippe Coutinho, but praise must also go to Lambert for his role in the build-up. The striker cut inside before sliding a ball across to Coutinho, who took a touch before curling a beautiful effort into the top corner from inside the box. It was a really good finish from the Brazilian, who again has been one of the best players of the park in that opening 45 minutes.

It could have been so different had QPR's goal after just 40 seconds stood. Fer flicked the ball in from close range after a low corner had been allowed to arrive at the front post. It was an interesting delivery, but the defending from Liverpool in the opening minute left a lot to be desired. The ball was adjudged to have gone out of play before it arrived in the box, however, and the hosts survived the early scare.

It was QPR who started the match brighter, putting Liverpool under some heavy pressure in the opening 10 minutes. Crosses in particular caused the hosts problems, with Caulker coming close and a number of Liverpool defenders forced into stretching clearances. Fer, who has been a handful all half, also forced Mignolet into a good low save from range shortly afterwards as QPR searched for an early opener.

Liverpool soon settled, however, and Gerrard, Lambert and Skrtel have all had openings to add to the hosts' advantage in that first half. Gerrard in particular looks eager to get on the scoresheet in his penultimate Anfield appearance, and he almost did so in spectacular fashion with a curling effort that Green was at full stretch to keep out. Sterling has also had the ball in the back of the net, but his effort was correctly ruled out for offside.

One of the bigger talking points from the first half was a penalty claim for Liverpool as Hill appeared to handball Sterling's cross inside his own penalty area. The QPR defender leant towards the ball with his arm in an unnatural position, and how Martin Atkinson didn't point to the spot remains a mystery. It looked like a stone-waller.

QPR may have no option but to come out all guns blazing in the second half, with other results going against them as things stand. Leicester won earlier today and Aston Villa are also ahead as things stand. Sunderland are drawing with Southampton, and the only result really going for QPR at the moment is Burnley's, with the Clarets trailing West Ham and down to 10 men.

KICKOFF: Liverpool get us back underway for the second half, and the first thing to tell you is that QPR have made a change at the break, with Yoon replacing Caulker. The visitors may go to three at the back as a result of that change.

SHOT! Almost a comical own goal (another one) for Dunne as he puts far too much on a pass-back to Green. Green just about deals with it by volleying it behind for a corner, from which Liverpool threaten. The ball eventually drops to Lovren, but his sliced, looping effort lands on the roof of the net.

At the other end the ball drops to Barton, but the QPR skipper never really looks set as he takes the shot on. He fires his effort high and wide of the target from around 25 yards.

CHANCE! Big chance for Liverpool to double their advantage as the ball is slipped in to Lallana, who stays onside and only has the keeper to beat. The midfielder goes for the near post, but skews his effort off target when he had to at least work the keeper.

That half-time change from QPR has allowed them to get more width with their full-backs, which in theory should allow them to put more crosses into the box. That is when they have looked most dangerous, so you can see Ramsey's thinking, but so far not much has changed in this second half.

CHANCE! Oh my word, put this one down as one of the misses of the season! It comes from one of the passes of the season too as Henderson plays a beauty of a pass behind the defence from deep. It arrives at an unmarked Sterling at the back post and the youngster just has to finish the job with plenty of the goal to aim at, but he puts it over the top. That was an absolute sitter.

Liverpool have a good degree of control over this match right now, but they will want a second goal to make life a little more comfortable. In fairness, they are going in search of it in this second half and should have got it with that Sterling chance, but as long as it remains 1-0, QPR will fancy their chances.

Liverpool are awarded a free kick in a good shooting position following a blatant handball from Dunne, but surprisingly Gerrard walks away from this one. He leaves it for Lambert, who can only thump his effort into the wall.

QPR are struggling to get into this match as an attacking force at the moment. Fer enjoyed a good first half but has been quiet since the interval, while Liverpool's defence is coping a lot better with any high balls towards their area.

QPR have just under half an hour left to salvage something here, and it is looking like they will need something. As things stand, they will be seven points from safety with three games remaining if all results stay as they are. With Man City away next up, it is very hard to see them recovering from that.

CHANCE! Liverpool still go in search of the second goal as Lallana travels down the left before finding Lambert with a pass inside. The striker initially looks to have lost the chance, but he gets lucky with the rebound and manages a shot that draws a low stop from Green.

SAVE! Liverpool almost shoot themselves in the foot as Lallana carelessly gives the ball away. The hosts recover quite well, but Sandro skips past a couple of defenders before unleashing a shot that is blocked. The ball drops to Phillips, but his effort is tame and straight at Mignolet.

LIVERPOOL SUB: Liverpool's first change of the afternoon sees Jordon Ibe replace Lallana.

CLOSE! Ibe almost makes an immediate impact as he reaches the byline before cutting a low ball across the box. Lambert just can't turn it goalwards, but it comes back out to Gerrard, whose low effort takes a nick on its way just past the post.

CHANCE! Again Liverpool come close from the resulting corner as Lovren rises highest in the area before planting a solid header towards goal. Green sees it late but reacts well to make a good stop, pushing it to relatively safety in the process.

QPR SUB: Bobby Zamora was not deemed fit enough to start today, but desperate times call for desperate measures and Ramsey brings the striker on here. He replaces Henry.

The tempo has picked up a little in the last few minutes. It has been an end-to-end period of the match, and if QPR can get a goal soon then they will still fancy their chances of turning things around. An open final 20 minutes or so would suit them as they offered very little when Liverpool were in control.

QPR do get that goal, and predictably is comes from a set piece! Barton swings a good corner into the box and Fer meets it with a volley that bounces between two red shirts and beyond Mignolet. The keeper could have perhaps done better, but it came through a crowd of bodies and he would have seen it late. He was also not helped at all by the marking, which was non-existent from the Liverpool defence. Game on now!

YELLOW CARD! Lovren is shown a yellow card for a sliding challenge on Zamora, gifting QPR a free kick just inside the Liverpool half. The visitors have their tails up now.

YELLOW CARD! Dunne quickly follows Lovren into the book for a trip off the ball on Sterling, preventing the winger from completing a one-two.

Liverpool have a penalty as Onuoha drags down Skrtel inside the box, picking up a yellow card for his troubles. No question about that one.

Oh my word! Liverpool spurn a great chance to take the lead as Green once again denies Gerrard what may have been a last Anfield goal. The Liverpool skipper tried to place it into the corner, but it is at a decent height for Green, who makes a good stop. It could have been a better spot kick though, it must be said.

QPR missed a penalty of their own last week, but how big could that miss prove to be in the relegation battle. If QPR can get a winner here, it would certainly breathe new life into their survival bid.

Huge blow for QPR as, moments after conceding a penalty and picking up his first yellow, Onuoha gets a second to receive his marching orders. There is no doubt about this one either as the defender chopped down Ibe to prevent the winger from racing clear. He left the referee absolutely no choice there.

There has been plenty of late drama in this one already, then, but remember that Liverpool led 1-0 after 86 minutes in the reverse fixture and it ended 3-2 to the Reds. There is plenty of time for more twists at Anfield, and you get the feeling that there could be at least one more goal in this one.

LIVERPOOL SUB: A second change for Liverpool as Lazar Markovic replaces Johnson for the final six minutes.

CLOSE! Sterling comes close to atoning for his earlier miss as Ibe cuts inside before giving the ball inside to his fellow youngster. Sterling is afforded space to take a touch and shoot, but his powerful effort flies narrowly over.

He's missed a number of chances today, including a penalty, but Gerrard still manages to have what could be the final say. Coutinho wins a corner and goes to take it himself, swinging the ball towards the near post. Gerrard attacks it well and glances his header beyond Green. That could well be his final Anfield goal, and fittingly it may well have won his side all three points.

LIVERPOOL SUB: It's been a rather mixed afternoon for the skipper, but Anfield rises as one to hand Gerrard a standing ovation as he comes off to be replaced by Lucas Leiva.

There will be a minimum of three minutes added time at the end of this match. Can QPR rescue anything from this one?

SAVE! Lovely football between Coutinho and Henderson as they exchange passes before the former lofts a ball into the box for Ibe to attack at the back post. The winger nods a downward header towards goal, but it is easy for the keeper.

The referee brings an end to proceedings at Anfield as Liverpool hang on for the 2-1 victory. It was Steven Gerrard who proved to be the winner, nodding in from a corner having earlier missed a penalty on his penultimate Anfield appearance. Coutinho had given the hosts a first-half lead, but Leroy Fer looked to have rescued a point for his side, who finished the game with 10 men after Onuoha received his marching orders.

That is all we have time for this afternoon! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for this match as Gerrard scores late to rescue a win for Liverpool, leaving QPR seven points from safety with just three games remaining. I will leave you with our match report, and be sure to stick around for reaction, analysis and player ratings. From me, though, it is goodbye for now!