Chelsea vs QPR Preview, Team News, Likely Line-Ups, Key Man & Predicted Score

Chelsea will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the table when they entertain Queens Park Rangers on Saturday afternoon.

The Blues were held to a 1-1 draw by Manchester United last weekend when Robin van Persie netted a stoppage-time equaliser to deny the visitors all three points.

However, Jose Mourinho’s men still boast a four point lead over Southampton at the top of the Premier League table with third-placed Man City a further two points adrift, and with the Citizens facing rivals United on Sunday, Chelsea have the opportunity to really put the pressure on with another win tomorrow.

They head into the game yet to be beaten in all competitions this season and you’d be a brave man to bet on that run ending this weekend as second from bottom QPR head to Stamford Bridge.

Harry Redknapp’s side boosted their survival hopes with an impressive 2-0 win over Aston Villa at Loftus Road on Monday night which moved them off the foot of the table, but they’ve yet to take a single point on their travels so far this season and have scored just one away goal, so the odds are stacked against the Hoops this weekend.

Team news

Mourinho has confirmed that Diego Costa is fit to return having missed the last four games with a hamstring injury so Didier Drogba is set to get a well earned rest.

Loic Remy remains out with a groin problem while John Obi Mikel is also out, but midfielder Ramires returns from a six week absence having recovered from a groin injury.

The Brazilians return could see Cesc Fabregas moved into a more advanced ‘free role’ as Oscar could be rested having started the last two games.

Branislav Ivanovic returns from a one-game ban following his sending off against Man Utd last week but Cesar Azpiliceuta serves the final match of his suspension.

QPR will once again be without Joey Barton as he continues to nurse a hamstring strain and Jordan Mutch is also on the sidelines with his own hamstring problem.

However, Adel Taarabt could be back in the squad after settling his differences with boss Harry Redknapp following their public spat last week.

Likely Line-Ups

Key Man

Cesc Fabregas: The Spaniard has been Chelsea’s heart-beat so far this season and QPR are going to have to find a way to stop him tomorrow. With Costa returning, Fabregas will be keen to re-establish their impressive partnership which was extremely fruitful before the strikers injury, so don’t be surprised if we see him assist Costa once again this weekend.

Predicted Score

Chelsea 3-0 QPR: While these two sides are local rivals I don’t think we’ll see much competition between them on the pitch and I expect a relatively comfortable home win.

What would be your starting eleven and whats your predicted score for the game?