It’s a battle of the big spenders this Saturday, as we travel to Loftus Road in high spirits, after winning all three of our fixtures so far, whilst QPR have just the one point from theirs, shipping nine goals in the process.
Rangers have added no less than eleven players this summer, and are yet to really gel as a team, unlike Chelsea, who have seen Hazard and Oscar fit into their set-up remarkably, with the former picking up the man-of-the-match award in every fixture so far.
This West London derby has had its fair share of excitement, Chelsea had two men sent off and suffered a shock defeat last season, but went on to win the return fixture 6-1, where a certain Fernando Torres scored a hat-trick.
QPR will be hopeful of an upset, Park Ji-Sung and Granero showing glimpses of their class, whilst Junior Hoilett showed he could perform at this level whilst at Blackburn last season. However, they must be weary that whilst they have looked shaky in defence, Chelsea have been potent in attack, Torres and Hazard being influential so far.
The ongoing ‘racism row’ will no doubt play a part too, despite Terry being cleared, Anton Ferdinand is set to snub his and Ashley Cole’s handshake, should the pair recover from injuries.
I think it’s a decent week for the betting, Chelsea priced at 5/6 for the win, and a massive 2/1 to keep a clean sheet as well, which theyn have managed in 2 or their first 3 games.
However, I think this has the potential of being a high scoring affair, and with Cole and Terry both 50/50 whether they will play, I think the Chelsea (-1) at 21/10 is more appealing.
John Terry FGS (first goalscorer) @ 16/1 might be a cheeky shout, no doubt that would turn the heat up ten-fold. Though if you think QPR might take the lead, Esteban Granero can be found at a very inviting 25/1.
My favoured bets for the weekend are:
Chelsea to win @ 5/6
Chelsea (-1) @ 21/10
Lampard FGS @ 7/1
Draw HT/Chelsea FT @ 7/2
Prediction: Queens Park Rangers 1 (Granero) Chelsea 3 (Torres 2, Lampard)
By Brad Smith
Follow @BrummieBrad