EPL Matchday 4: QPR vs Chelsea Preview

Club football is back after an unwanted and utterly boring two weeks, which had players involved in international action. Why are we made to suffer like this? Anyway, this weekend we have a rather predictable set of matches with Arsenal entertaining Southampton at the Emirates, Man Utd hosting Wigan and Stoke City hosting the Champions. Probably, the most interesting match would be the 2^nd of the 30 London derbies, in which QPR host Chelsea at Loftus Road. Before going into the preview, let’s just have a short note on Chelsea’s transfer activity on deadline day.

The Transfers

Transfer deadline day saw Chelsea cut their squad by selling Raul Meireles to Fenerbahce and loaning out Michael Essien to Real Madrid. It has come as a surprise that, the much talked about depth in midfield has been chipped which now looks a bit weak. This development might be the stepping stone for the youth revolution project started under AvB. Now, the likes of Romeu, Oscar and Piazon have more chance of getting minutes in top flight. Also, Essien has the opportunity to regain his old form under his ‘daddy’.

The Preview

Queens Park Rangers v Chelsea FC

Venue: Loftus Road, Kickoff: 1930 Hrs IST

A trip to Loftus Road is always unforgettable; the QPR fans are probably the noisiest after Stoke City. Much of the pre-match build-up will revolve around the team handshakes and all the cameras will be focused on Terry and Ferdinand. Last season saw Chelsea lose 1-0 in this fixture, but it will remain as the best reaction of then manager, AvB in the event of a crisis. A nine man Chelsea humbled and toyed an 11 man QPR and finished the match on a high note.

Tony Fernandez splashed the cash and made 13 signings in the transfer window, including former blue, Jose Bosingwa. QPR didn’t have an easy start to the season and Mark Hughes now faces the task of integrating the new bunch of players in a short span. The atmosphere will be nothing less than frantic with boos echoing every time Chelsea get the ball.

Team News

Di Matteo has almost fully fit squad at his disposal after Ashley Cole and John Terry passed a late fitness test after suffering ankle injuries. Both of them are expected to start along with David Luiz and new signing Azpilicueta. Ivanovic might be rested for midweek match against Juventus. With the departure of two defensive midfielders, the options now are less and obviously Mikel and Lampard lead the line for the two slots followed by Romeu, Oscar and Ramires.

Juan Mata got some well needed rest and he will be fresh for the game. He will be flanked by either of Hazard, Ramires, Sturridge or Moses with Torres upfront. Again, the Juventus match will be given more importance in substitutions. Marko Marin began some light training after his recovery and he will not feature in the travelling squad.

Mark Hughes has a big squad to choose from. Diakite and M’Bia are unavailable due to injuries. So, Derry, Mackie and Granero might play in the midfield. In Park, Hoilett, Taraabt and Wright Philips, there are good options on the wings as well. The only place where Hughes will be worried is his defense. Dealing with the movement of Hazard, Torres and Mata will pose a daunting task for Ferdinand and co. Upfront, Cisse, Zamora and Johnson provide ample attacking threat with their aerial ability.

Probable Team Lineups

QPR (4-5-1): Cesar – Bosingwa, Hill, Ferdinand, Fabio – Derry, Mackie, Granero, Park, Taraabt – Zamora

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Cech – Cole, Terry, Luiz, Azpilicueta – Mikel, Lampard – Hazard, Oscar, Sturridge – Torres

Tactics

It will be usual business for Chelsea with their 4-2-3-1 formation. QPR may lineup in a 4-5-1 to stack-up the mid. Chelsea will be looking to wrap the game up in the first half with some early goals, but QPR is a tough nut to crack at home, so expect some tight battles on the pitch.

Some of the interesting duels would be Bosingwa v Hazard, Granero v Lampard. Bosingwa will be in need of assistance to contain Hazard and should be careful not to poke legs around anywhere in the box. Granero and Lampard are pure midfielders; much of the game will depend on how one contains another with their tracking and tackling capabilities. Granero might as well be the key player for QPR around whom the game will mostly revolve.

PIE PREDICTION

Even though, QPR is filled with surprises, they lack consistency. It should be easy business for the men in blue (or black) with early goals and resolute defending. PIE predicts a 3-1 win for Chelsea.