Chelsea
aim to get back to winning ways when they welcome west London rivals Queens
Park Rangers to Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Although a draw at Old Trafford against Manchester United last time out
represents a more than respectable result, the manner in which Robin van
Persie grabbed a last-ditch equaliser has been the cause of much frustration
at the Bridge.
Blues’ boss Jose Mourinho was unhappy with Branislav Ivanovic’s sending-off,
which led to the United equaliser, and also with referee Phil Dowd for not
awarding his side a penalty in the first-half.
Opta facts
Cesc Fabregas has been involved in nine goals (one goal, eight assists) in
nine league games for Chelsea.
The last time a side in the Premier League relegation zone went to the home
of the league leaders and won was September 2001 (Southampton beating Sam
Allardyce’s Bolton 1-0).
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).
Steven Caulker is the only QPR player to have started every league game so
far this season.
Despite this minor setback, Chelsea have been otherwise imperious this
season, and sit four points clear at the top of the Premier League, with
seven wins from nine games so far.
Their home form has been even more impressive, with four wins out of four,
conceding just two goals in the process.
However, the Blues might not have it all their own way.
Chelsea have failed to score in three of the last four Premier League games
against QPR, and the R’s were successful on their last visit to Stamford
Bridge, with former Blues player Shaun Wright-Phillips earning his side a
1-0 win.
Harry Redknapp’s men will be buoyed by their comfortable victory over Aston
Villa on Monday night, which moved the R’s off the bottom of the table.
Despite that Charlie Austin inspired victory, the R’s fervent following
won’t be making the short journey to Stamford Bridge with a great deal of
confidence, regardless of their recent record against the Blues.
QPR have lost all four away games, scoring just once and conceding 12 in the
process.
Team news
Diego Costa looks set to return from his troublesome hamstring injury for
Chelsea.
However, it is unclear whether he will appear from the start or off the
bench, with doubts over the Spain international's match fitness.
Ramires could also return for the Blues, but Loic Remy is set to miss out
until the end of Novemeber.
Redknapp could call upon QPR's misfit midfielder Adel Taarabt for Saturday's
trip to Chelsea after the duo patched up their public spat.
The Rangers boss has refused to rule out pitching the Morocco playmaker back
into action with Jordon Mutch and Joey Barton not back in full training
until next week following hamstring problems.
Taarabt has apologised to Redknapp after biting back when his manager
branded him "about three stone overweight".
Paul Merson's prediction
QPR beat Aston Villa on Monday night, which was a good result, but they were
at home against a team that couldn’t score a goal for toffee. I think
Chelsea are head and shoulders above them and I think they will win. Will
they rest Diego Costa? I think he will play if he is fit because this is a
big West London derby and Jose Mourinho will know how important it is for
the fans.
PAUL PREDICTS: 3-0
top