Team News: Loic Remy left out by Queens Park Rangers

Loic Remy has been left out of Queens Park Rangers' squad to face Sunderland having been widely reported to be a transfer target for Chelsea.

The Hoops do have Charlie Austin back in attack after the striker recovered from a hamstring strain.

However, Harry Redknapp is without the services of new arrival Eduardo Vargas, who is still awaiting a work permit, while Alejandro Faurlin is facing another lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering another cruciate ligament injury.

Sunderland boss Gus Poyet has opted to leave Emanuele Giaccherini on the bench, despite the Italian midfielder making a return in the League Cup against Birmingham City in midweek.

Vito Mannone is again preferred to summer signing Costel Pantilimon in the Black Cats goal.

Queens Park Rangers: Green; Isla, Ferdinand, Caulker, Hill; Fer, Barton, Mutch; Phillips, Austin, Hoilett

Sunderland: Mannone; Vergini, Van Aanholt, Brown, O'Shea; Cattermole, Larsson, Rodwell, Johnson; Wickham, Fletcher

You can follow Sports Mole's live coverage of the action at Loftus Road here.