QPR goalkeeper Julio Cesar (leg) is doubtful and could be replaced by Robert Green. Defender Tal Ben Haim (hip) is also doubtful, but the Hoops could name a lineup unchanged from that that defeated Southampton last weekend.
Adel Taarabt was left out of the team last Saturday in favor of Park Ji-Sung and Junior Hoilett, but the playmaker has previously played behind lone striker Loic Remy and could feature at some point.
Bobby Zamora (ankle) is doubtful, so Jay Bothroyd could continue up front with Remy moved wide, but Andy Johnson (knee) is out for the season.
Sunderland has no new injury concerns, but left back Danny Rose (hamstring) is nearing a return to fitness and could return in place of Jack Colback. John O’Shea and Titus Bramble have been preferred to Carlos Cuellar at center back of late, while Wes Brown (knee) is injured.
Lee Cattermole (knee) is out through injury, so Seb Larsson could continue in central midfield, with Stephane Sessegnon out on the right flank as Danny Graham starts with Steven Fletcher in a front two.
Left-sided James McClean is an alternative to Adam Johnson on the left flank and may feature at some point.
QPR’s victory over Southampton last Saturday followed a six-game winless run and was only the club's third league victory all season, leaving the Hoops bottom of the table and four points from safety having scored the fewest goals (21) of any Premier League side.
The Hoops have won only two games in all competitions this season at Loftus Road, and have failed to score in any of their last five home league games.
Sunderland has slid to 14th in the table and six points clear of the relegation zone having won none of its last five league matches. The club did come back from two goals down last Saturday against Fulham to prevent a fourth consecutive defeat.
The Black Cats have conceded two goals or more in seven of their last eight matches away from the Stadium of Light.
QPR's last victory over the Wearside club came in April 1991, with the Black Cats winning seven of their last 11 matches against the Hoops.
The reverse fixture earlier this season in November at the Stadium of Light resulted in a 0-0 draw. Sunderland has won four of its last five away matches against QPR in all competitions, including its last three trips to Loftus Road in which it scored at least two goals in each game.
Stephane Sessegnon (pictured) has scored in each of his last two matches and found the back of the net in each of the Black Cats’ league wins against QPR last season.
QPR defender Nedum Onuoha spent the 2010-11 season on-loan at Sunderland, making 32 starts before returning to parent club Manchester City shortly ahead of a permanent move to the Hoops last January.
QPE is the only side left in the Premier League that has not seen a penalty converted in a league match this season. The West London club has missed both it has been awarded, and, along with Manchester United, has yet to concede one.
