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

Chelsea welcome West London rivals Queens Park Rangers to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night looking to get the new year off to a positive start.

The Blues have dragged themselves back into the title-race after winning four games on the bounce and will move back into third place – just four points off second-placed Man City with a game in hand – with another win tonight.

Rafa Benitez men head into the game off the back of impressive wins over Aston Villa, Norwich and Everton so they will be confident of seeing off relegation-threatened QPR at the Bridge.

Harry Redknapp has suffered three straight defeats including a 3-0 loss to Liverpool last time out and he knows his side will have to start picking up wins soon if they’re to have any hope of avoiding the drop, with the R’s sitting bottom of the table on just 10 points.

Team News

Petr Cech will miss the game after being forced off at half time against Everton on Sunday with an adductor injury. Ross Turnbull is likely to deputise in goal.

Midfielder John Obi Mikel is expected to return after missing the game at Goodison Park with a knee injury, and Rafa Benitez may decide to give the likes of Juan Mata and Eden Hazard a well-earned rest.

Harry Redknapp may decide to recall Shaun Derry for the game after seeing his midfield out-played against Liverpool.

Park Ji-sung is likely to miss out despite returning to training after a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a knee problem. Strikers Andrew Johnson and Bobby Zamora remain on the sidelines.

Likely Line-ups

Predicted Score

Chelsea are in excellent form, having won seven of their last eight games in all competitions – the only defeat coming against Corinthians in the final of the World Club Cup – so are understandably red-hot favourites to see-off bottom side QPR. Chelsea 2-0 QPR

What would be your line-up and whats your score prediction? Get involved in the comments section below.