The Hoops host their London rivals amidst tensions about earlier the racism issue between Anton Ferdinand and John Terry.
QPR:
Although their summer spending reached atrocious levels during the last few months, the Rangers have been unable to translate that into positive results after suffering two defeats in three Premier League games.
On opening day, they were thrashed 5-0 by Swansea City, before following that up with a 1-1 draw with Norwich City. While they tried matching reigning champions Manchester City, the Sky Blues were far too strong at home and eventually won 3-1 in their last
game.
Chelsea:
The UEFA Champions League winners are currently leading the Premiership lot and are two points ahead of nearest contenders Swansea City. While http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Roberto-c31294 Di Matteo has Roman Abramovich’s backing for the time being, the coach’s signings have proved to be a big
hit.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chelsea-c38786 have secured back-to-back wins and only conceded twice, that too against Reading, a game in which they exposed their over extravagant backline at times.
Team News:
QPR:
Mark Hughes only has to worry about the possible omission of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Anton-Ferdinand-c6260, who picked up a shoulder knock at the Etihad and could be sidelined if he fails to recover in time.
The centre-back is also on the forefront of the entire QPR-Chelsea racism debacle, as he was the one who John Terry racially abused during a match last year. The Chelsea captain was latter stripped of the http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/England-c749 armband and also faced a court inquiry in
July, although it was ruled in his favour.
And in order to get justice on the pitch, the http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Rangers-c40314 might actually perform inspirationally and avenge their comrade, who is trying his level best to be in contention for a start.
Stars such as Esteban Granero, Ji-Sung Park, Jose Bosingwa and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Adel-Taarabt-c3610 and Bobby Zamora and will be raring to go tomorrow at the Loftus Road kick-off.
Chelsea:
Londoners’ boss Roberto Di Matteo is having a major headache with his backline, with two prominent figures, John Terry and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Ashley-Cole-c6809 both becoming victims of the International break.
The England duo are in a race to be fit following ankle sprains but the omission of the skipper will be the most damning and useful at the very same time. Terry, who racially abused Anton Ferdinand, was one person whose presence would not be welcomed by
the QPR faithful and thus with his omission, the team’s nervous handshaking ceremony could return to normal proportions.
While the tension maybe palpable, Bobby http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Zamora-c40983 has tried to diffuse to the situation, claiming that he would share his countryman’s hand despite the ugly incident last year.
“I’ve known http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/John-Terry-c18895 for years and he’s a very good friend of mine. We grew up together and of course I’ll shake his hand if he’s playing on Saturday. I came in as an outsider to it and I won’t be paying attention to any of it.”
“John is a very good player and it’s going to be a real battle between us. I’m sure it’s not going to be an enjoyable game with him coming through the back and smashing the life out of me. But that’s what he’s been like ever since we played together in Barking
for Senrab when we were 13 along with http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jlloyd-Samuel-c18610,” he said.
On the attacking side of things, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Charity-c38784 Shield outing, has again failed to recover and will continued to be sidelined with a hamstring problem. But other than that the entire line-up remains unchanged, with Chelsea likely
to rely on Eden Hazard, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Fernando-Torres-c13707 and Juan Mata for goal scoring prowess up-front.
Key Players:
Chelsea: http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Eden-Hazard-c11863
The Belgian has clearly taken to the Premier League like a consummate professional and will be looking to continue his superb form in the London derby.
QPR: http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Esteban-Granero-c12919
Since arriving in England, the Spanish midfielder has impressed onlookers in the middle of the park and will be integral to a win for his side, owing to his ball retaining abilities and an eye for pass.
Prediction:
QPR 1-2 Chelsea
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