Chelsea
have a chance to tighten their grip on the Premier League title when to
travel to west London neighbors QPR.
However Jose Mourinho's men could be just four points clear of Arsenal,
albeit with a game in had, come Sunday depending on results and they have
struggled in the past at Loftus Road.
QPR have kept a clean sheet in three of their last four Premier League
matches at home to Chelsea and have won two of the last five Premier League
meetings between the sides.
Chelsea did run out 2-1 victors in the corresponding fixture at Stamford
Bridge earlier this season with Oscar and Eden Hazard getting on the
scoresheet.
Team News
Defender Richard Dunne (knee) is close to a return for QPR but will not be
considered with fellow centre-back Rio Ferdinand also absent with an
unspecified knock.
Manager Chris Ramsey may have to look to make changes having played twice in
four days but Yun Suk-young (concussion) is still out alongside Eduardo
Vargas, Leroy Fer and Alejandro Faurlin (all knee).
Chelsea are without Diego Costa following the striker's hamstring injury.
Cesc Fabregas will play with a mask to protect his broken nose and will
start alongside Nemanja Matic in midfield despite the influential pair being
one booking away from a suspension.
Opta facts
Hazard has scored nine out of nine PL penalties - the joint most of any
player with a 100% record (along with Dimitar Berbatov).
Chelsea have led in 12 of their 15 Premier League away games this season.
Chelsea have opened the scoring in a league-high 24 of their 30 Premier
League games this season.
Chelsea have scored exactly 99 goals in all competitions this season.
Charlie Austin has been involved in 55% of QPR’s 38 goals this season (17
goals, four assists).
Merson’s prediction
I don’t see anything but a Chelsea win. The atmosphere at Loftus Road will
be buzzing, this is QPR’s cup final. The atmosphere affected Chelsea a
couple of years ago but QPR will need to play well, well, above their usual
level to get anything out of the game. QPR will need go out in a blaze of
glory, so they will create chances. Charlie Austin has to take them – he’s
had a good season but it wouldn’t surprise me if Loic Remy got the winner
against his old club.
PAUL PREDICTS: 0-2 (Sky Bet Odds 11/2)
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