Premier League: Chelsea v QPR match preview

A look ahead to tonight's Premier League fixture at Stamford Bridge

Rafael Benitez (GETTY IMAGES)

Ahead of the visit of QPR to Stamford Bridge, Chelsea's title race has been seemingly revived under Rafael Benitez, with the top two in sight. In contrast, their cross-city rivals QPR are yet to experience a similar upturn in fortunes with new manager Harry Redknapp.

After escaping relegation on the final day of last season, and currently lying at the foot of the table, the fate of the Hoops seems rather ominous. They picked up a point in the reverse fixture, a 0-0 draw back in September, and beating the Blues on home turf will be another major test.

If John Terry recovers from injury, the Chelsea captain will no doubt receive a hostile reception from the away fans, as he plays against QPR for the first time the FA charged him for racially abusing defender Anton Ferdinand.

In attendance could well be Demba Ba who was having talks with the European champions about a proposed switch from Newcastle.

KICK-OFF: Wednesday, 7:45pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS...

QPR 0 Chelsea 0, Premier League, September 2012

Chelsea 6 (Sturridge, Terry, Torres 3, Malouda) QPR 1 (Cissé), Premier League, April 2012

QPR 0 Chelsea 1 (Mata), FA Cup, January 2012

STATS...

QPR have not beaten Chelsea by a scoreline other than 1-0 since a 4-2 win in December 1989, inspired by a Les Ferdinand brace.

In the past four meetings between the sides, there have been 16 individual yellow cards and two reds.

Fernando Torres' only Chelsea hat-trick, and his fourth in the Premier League overall, came in the Blues' 6-1 win over QPR last season.

Juan Mata has scored or assisted 14 goals in his 17 Premier League appearances this season.

ODDS...

Chelsea to win: 1.29

QPR to win: 13.5

Draw: 5.8

TV: Highlights on BBC1 at 11:05pm