Harry Redknapp is preparing to take charge of his second game at Queens Park Rangers as they host Aston Villa at Loftus Road.

Both sides have found themselves in a relegation battle a third of the way through the season but Villa have a one-point safety cushion in the Premier League table, while QPR sit firmly at the bottom with just five points.

Redknapp, who replaced Mark Hughes at the helm of the club, recorded a goalless draw against Sunderland on Tuesday but will be hoping to convert a draw into a victory this weekend to close the gap to safety down from eight points.

Villa manager Paul Lambert has found himself in hot water over striker Darren Bent, who has been left out of the squad on numerous occasions this season, but the Scotsman is likely to keep his faith with frontman Christian Benteke.

Meanwhile, Redknapp is expected to start Djibril Cisse up front as the club continue to deal with their attacking injury woes.

Recent form

QPR: DLLLD

Aston Villa: WLLDW

Possible lineups

QPR: Green; Bosingwa, Hill, Nelsen, Traore; Granero, Mbia, Diakite, Taarabt; Mackie, Cisse

Aston Villa: Guzan; Lowton, Baker, Clark, Lichaj; Holman, Westwood, Bannan, Weimann; Agbonlahor; Benteke

Sports Mole says: 1-0