For the second time in recent weeks, Loic Remy has again proven to be the clutch man for Chelsea. On March 22nd, the Blues had somehow managed to throw away a two-goal advantage against Hull City when top goal-scorer Diego Costa's troublesome hamstring began acting up.
MR. DEPENDABLE: Remy has scored TWO vital goals in two games for Chelsea in recent matches
The French international, who has found game-time hard to come by, was promptly introduced for the injured Brazilian attacker, and less than two minutes later, had scored the match winner. Handed a rare start following the international hiatus this last weekend, Remy again proved his credentials after Chelsea were pegged back by an absolute peach of a goal from Stoke City's Charlie Adam.
Costa, who was not fit to start, had again hobbled off injured, with Didier Drogba brought on, but it was the former QPR man who sealed all three points before being subbed out in favour of Juan Cuadrado.
Unfortunately, the former Atletico Madrid ace will be out for this one, albeit his manager Jose Mourinho is still hopeful for a recovery as indicated during his pre-match press conference:
Jose anticipates Diego Costa will be back in time to play four matches this season. #CFC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 10, 2015
Whilst fans will not have to worry about Cesc Fabregas following his broken nose, they will still be concerned about the Spaniard as well as Serbian international Nemanja Matic given their key roles within the Blues squad:
Jose says Fabregas and Matic start on Sunday, regardless of both being one booking off a two-match suspension. #CFC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 10, 2015
As the league leaders attempt to make it four wins on the bounce, their fellow London rivals Queens Park Rangers have own agenda. Simply put, the Hoops have endured a torrid time this campaign. Yet, a quick glance at the league table shows that not all is lost yet for the club that saw Harry Redknapp resign in February and Chris Ramsey take over:
The difference between salvation and relegation is only a few points for QPR
Although the hosts have won only one out of their last five meetings with their opponents across all competitions, they nonetheless have fared pretty decently at Loftus Road. Out of their four Premier League home games, they have managed to keep a clean sheet in three out of those, winning two and drawing one.
Chelsea also appear to be unable to keep a clean sheet against QPR, as they have conceded in six out of their seven meetings with them in all competitions. Of their 24 matches at Loftus Road, the Blues have won six, QPR eight, and the other ten have been draws.
Despite the fact that Chelsea boast nearly three times the total points of QPR, one can expect the hosts to still fancy their chances. The Blues have not looked impressive as of late in their past couple of games - especially their back-line - and Ramsey's men will definitely hope to take advantage of that especially given how close things are at the bottom of the table.
As things stand, Hull City are only two points ahead. Fellow relegation threatened side Aston Villa- whom they battled to a 3-3 stalemate - are just three points further up (alongside Sunderland). Meanwhile, Chelsea enjoy a seven point lead over Arsenal, but with the Gunners taking on Burnley, they naturally will hope to make sure that this gap remains intact ahead of their mouth-watering ties with Manchester United and then Arsene Wenger's troops coming up soon.
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