It's So Hard to Say Goodbye - Liverpool v QPR Preview

It feels like just yesterday Liverpool were touring the States and we were all debating about what role Andy Carroll could possibly play in a Brendan Rodgers system. Now, before we knew it, the season is ending, Carra is riding off into the sunset and fans are trying to figure out whether this season has been a success or utter failure.

But, if there was one team we could play to remind us that it could always be worse, it is QPR. After splashing more than enough cash to make everyone believe they were likely to survive, they somehow managed to get sent right back down. Apparently old 'Arry isn't as good as everyone though he was. In a season plagued by rumors of a complete lack of player commitment to the cause, Droopy Dog proved he just couldn't hold it together to get the two extra wins they needed.

So what will happen this match? Well, it is probably safe to say the QPR players won't care much. Their recent run of form is far from convincing. Their last 6 have been LLDLLD. Couple this with an overwhelming desire from everyone at Liverpool to give Carra a proper sendoff and this can only be seen as more than likely an easy Liverpool victory. Neither team has anything league wise to play for, but I would expect an emotional Anfield to push Liverpool to victory. Last time these two met at Loftus road, Suarez bagged a double and Liverpool ran out very very comfortable 3-0 winners. I would not at all be surprised to see a similar scoreline.

Some thinking points:

-If Carra scores, it would only be fitting if it was an own goal. Carragher's last goal for Liverpool was against Middlesbrough in 2008. However, that is only if you ask Liverpool, the dubious goals panel stated that this goal was actually a Pogatetz own goal. So his official last goal was against Fulham in 2006! that is a long time for a man who gets forward on most corners. Perhaps he can get a look up top this game along Sturridge.

-Will we see more youngsters? Coady got his debut last match, albeit for only a few minutes. Let's see some more, especially if Liverpool get an early lead.

-Sturridge has now scored the most goals of any Liverpool player in their first 13 games for the club. More please!

-Does Sturridge's success mean Liverpool might entertain the idea of selling Suarez? Let's hope not.

-Does Skrtel get a match? He was praised by BR for his professionalism, but what does that really mean?

-Well, it is just about time to start the rumor mongering. This will be last chance for Shelvey to prove he is more than just an extra from the Lord of the Rings.

-Liverpool will be wearing the new kits for this game. This should hardly be a surprise, but it means I may just have to get a Carragher kit when I order mine since this will be the only game he wears the new one.