Star Returns: Stongest Chelsea Line-up To Face London Rivals QPR

Chelsea are unbeaten in all competitions and need a late own goal to overcome gutsy League Two side Shrewsbury Town to book their place in the League Cup quarterfinals, saving Jose Mourinho’s side some potential embarrassment. The Blues threw away all three points in the dying seconds at Old Trafford on Sunday when Robin van Persie smashed home an equalizer from close range. Next up is an all-London affair against Harry Redknapp’s QPR, who are in all sorts of turmoil at the moment.

Let’s take a look at the Chelsea Line-up to welcome Rangers at the weekend.

Goalkeeper:

Thibaut Courtois

The Belgian shot-stopper was rested for the League Cup tie but would be keen to carry his terrific form at Old Trafford into this weekend. Remember that terrific save to deny Robin van Persie?

Defenders:

Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Filipe Luis.

The back four has a familiar look to it, the same four who took to the field at Old Trafford. Branislav Ivanovic missed Robin van Persie’s late equalizer and the trip to Shrewsbury, but should reclaim his right-back spot for this London derby. Gary Cahill played in the week and should continue in the heart of defence alongside skipper John Terry who had a terrific game against United. Filipe Luis kept Adnan Januzaj quiet on Sunday, but would look to contribute more in an attacking sense this time around.

Midfield

Matic, Fabregas, Willian, Oscar, Hazard.

The commanding presence of Nemanja Matic will guard Chelsea’s back four once again vs QPR, alongside the silky Cesc Fabregas, who was reduced to a peripheral role on Sunday by Marouane Fellaini. The Spaniard was denied time and space on the role and United’s high pressing meant the former Barcelona man failed to dictate the game from his deeper position.

In attacking midfield, Oscar could be rested in favor of Schurrle after the Brazilian nearly completed the entire match against Shrewsbury. Willian and Hazard came on from the bench in the week and would be looking to wreak havoc on a suspect QPR defence, lacking the experience of the suspended Rio Ferdinand. Willian, Oscar and Hazard were wasteful in the second half as they let United off the hook with crucial misses, but Mourinho would expect the trio to turn up with their shooting boots this time around.

Striker

Diego Costa

The in-form Spaniard has struck 9 league goals in 7 games already this season and was in red-hot form before a recurrence of a niggling groin problem ruled him out of action. But with three weeks rest under his belt, Mourinho’s star front-man would be itching to take the field against QPR.