QPR vs Chelsea - Match preview and team news
The stage is set for Chelsea’s return to Loftus Road to face Queens Park Rangers after last season’s fiery clash which saw the home side emerge victorious amidst the infamous clash between Anton Ferdinand and John Terry that brought allegations of racism against the then England captain.
Both players are set to overcome shoulder and ankle injuries respectively to take their places in central defence for their sides. QPR have only picked up a single point away at Norwich from their three games so far this season and will hope to have a better time of it at home than they did in their last match at Loftus Road, which saw them take a 5-0 beating at the hands of Swansea.
Manager Mark Hughes will have hoped that his new look squad will have gelled somewhat over the international break and the likes of Julio Cesar and Esteban Granero are set to make their home debuts for the club. Samba Diakite is still absent due to personal reasons while another new recruit, Stephane M’Bia picked up an injury for Cameroon in the week.
The European champions and current league leaders have been boosted by the return to fitness of their skipper Terry, while Ashley Cole is set to be fit after shaking off the ankle problem that denied him from reaching 100 caps for England. Germany winger Marko Marin misses out again with a persistent hamstring problem.
Elsewhere, Eden Hazard is set to start as he looks to continue his record of either scoring or assisting in all but one of Chelsea’s goals in the league so far. Fellow new recruits Cesar Azpilicueta and Victor Moses could also make their debuts, albeit from the bench with manager Roberto Di Matteo unwilling to change a team that has taken maximum points so far this season.
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