QPR vs Chelsea: Preview, Team News, Likely Line-ups & Predicted Score

Tensions are expected to be high as Queens Park Rangers welcome local rivals Chelsea to Loftus Road on Saturday afternoon.

John Terry is on course to be reunited with Anton Ferdinand for the first time since the Blues skipper was cleared of using racist language towards the centre back in the corresponding fixture last season.

The two clubs have already held talks about the pre-match handshake as well as releasing seperate statements calling for fans to behave ahead of the game. The FA decided to scrape the handshake ritual in the two previous games between the two sides but they have confirmed that handshakes will be expected before Saturday’s encounter.

Chelsea will be looking to continue their faultless start to the new season after three consecutive wins, while QPR are still looking for their first victory having taken just one point from their opening three matches.

Team News

Mark Hughes has almost a fully-fit squad to chose from going into the game. Anton Ferdinand is expected to start after recovering from a shoulder injury, while both Alejandro Faurlin and Kieron Dyer are back from long lay-offs.

Stephane Mbia is likely to miss out after picking up a mystery injury while away on international duty and Samba Diakite is unavailable due to personal reasons. Julio Cesar is pushing for a start after Rob Greens disappointing start to the season between the sticks.

John Terry and Ashley Cole are both winning the fitness race to fit in time to play following ankle knocks. But the game will come too soon for Marko Marin who will have to wait a little further to make make his debut due to a hamstring injury.

However, Victor Moses is available to make his debut for the club after joining from Wigan but may have to make do with a place on the bench.

Likely Line-ups

Predicted Score

The European champions have started the season in impressive fashion with big-money summer signing Eden Hazard instantly adapting to life in the Premier League. It’s difficult to see how QPR will be able to stop the Belgian magician from helping Chelsea to another 3 points. QPR 0-2 Chelsea.

What would your team be? What is your score prediction? Get involved in the comments section.

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