Premier League preview: Queens Park Rangers v Sunderland

7 March 2013 12:40

QPR's quest to avoid relegation faces its next test when they welcome Sunderland to Loftus Road on Saturday.

Harry Redknapp's side are in the rare position of looking for back-to-back wins in the Premier League - a feat they have not achieved so far in a disastrous campaign - having beaten fellow strugglers Southampton 2-1 at St Mary's in their last start.

January acquisition Loic Remy has made QPR a more potent force since his arrival from Marseille, and the 26-year-old has scored two goals in his four appearances so far for the club.

QPR are bottom of the league table, three points behind Reading and four points from safety.

Martin O'Neill's Sunderland side, meanwhile, have also endured a difficult campaign to date - sitting in 14th place, but just seven points clear of the drop zone.

They have gone five games without a win in the league, and have lost three of those matches.

Most recently they had to come from 2-0 down to scrape a 2-2 draw at home to Fulham.

The last time the two sides met they played out a goalless draw at the Stadium of Light last November.

QPR striker Bobby Zamora is doubtful with an ankle injury that kept him out of the side's 2-1 win over Southampton, while Andy Johnson is still battling a knee injury.

Sunderland, meanwhile, are also troubled by some big-name absentees.

Defender Wes Brown is yet to play a match this season as he continues to battle a knee injury, while Lee Catermole is also sidelined with a knee issue.

Danny Rose is nearing a return from a hamstring injury, but looks set to miss the trip to London.