QPR face bitter rivals Chelsea this weekend for the first time since their memorable 1-0 win back in January 2013, which came courtesy of a rare goal from former Blues winger Shaun Wright-Phillips. Rangers will be in buoyant mood ahead of this one after their excellent display against Aston Villa on Monday night. The R`s have finally found an effective way of playing at this level, though much of it relies on the ageing body of Bobby Zamora and his mastery in holding the ball up.
Rangers boss Harry Redknapp has lost just one of his last six Premier League clashes with Chelsea (W2 D3). However, he has seen his teams lose all five league clashes with Jose Mourinho`s Chelsea. At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea have lost just one of their last 32 in the league (1-2 vs Sunderland in April 2014). Although, their last home defeat before that loss against Sunderland came against none other than QPR (0-1 Jan 2013).
On the road, the Super Hoops are without a win in nine Premier League games, losing eight, drawing one and scoring a total of just five goals in the process. The R`s need to replicate the intensity and determination displayed in their performances at Loftus Road on their travels, starting tomorrow. Of course, facing a team like Chelsea, who should really win the title this year, isn`t going to be easy but the R`s have proven down the years they have the ability to get under the skin of their West London rivals.
Chelsea Team News:
Loic Remy remains out and Cesar Azpilicueta is banned but fellow defender Branislav Ivanovic returns after suspension.
Possible line up:
IVANOVIC – TERRY – CAHILL – LUIS
MATIC – FABREGAS
WILLIAN – OSCAR – HAZARD
COSTA
Player to watch: –
QPR Team News:
Jordon Mutch and Joey Barton remain absent but will be back in full training next week.
Possible line up:
ISLA – DUNNE – CAULKER – YUN
VARGAS – SANDRO – HENRY – FER
ZAMORA – AUSTIN
Player to watch: –
Match Facts & Stats
HEAD 2 HEAD
Chelsea: 20
QPR: 15
Draw: 18
LAST TIME OUT
Premier League – 02/01/13
Stamford Bridge
Chelsea 0
QPR 1 (Wright-Phillips)
Team: Cesar, Hill, Onuoha, Nelsen, Fabio, Mbia, Derry, Taarabt (Park), Granero (Dyer), Hoilett (Wright-Phillips), Mackie.
Attendance: 41,364
PREVIEW FACTS
Chelsea have failed to score in three of the last four Premier League games against west London rivals QPR.
Cesc Fabregas has been involved in nine goals (one goal, eight assists) in nine league games for Chelsea.
In their last 12 league matches at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea have kept 10 clean sheets and conceded just four goals in total.
Steven Caulker is the only QPR player to have started every league game so far this season. By contrast, seven of Chelsea`s players have started each and every PL game so far; a joint-league high with Southampton.
Charlie Austin has scored 23 league goals for QPR since the beginning of last season (incl. play-offs); 17 more than any other player (Ravel Morrison – 6).
Ref Watch:
Referee: Mike Jones
Assistants: Jake Collin & Richard West
Fourth Official: Roger East
Mike Jones is the match official for Saturday`s clash with rivals Chelsea. Last season, Jones issued 108 yellow cards and 3 red cards in 32 games.
Match Prediction:
2-1 Chelsea win.
Next Fixtures
Who: Man City
Where: Loftus Road
When: 08/11/2014