Premier League preview: Chelsea v QPR

31 December 2012 08:50

Frank Lampard was reportedly told to look for a new club in January but his brace against Everton could help win a contract extension.

According to reports in England, Lampard was free to move elsewhere after 11 years at Stamford Bridge.

However, the experienced English midfielder sent a timely reminder to all involved at Chelsea, netting a brace in the club's come-from-behind 2-1 win at Everton on Sunday, his third goal in as many Premier League matches.

Lampard's recent form should earn him a starting berth for Wednesday's home encounter against cellar-dwellers Queens Park Rangers - the club he has been linked with in recent weeks.

As a result of Chelsea's triumph at Goodison Park, the London outfit are four points adrift of Manchester City in third position with a game in hand.

And since Rafael Benitez's arrival, they have lost just twice in their past 11 league and cup fixtures.

Sitting at the other end of the spectrum is QPR, who have managed only one win in 20 Premier League games thus far.

Despite Harry Redknapp's arrival at Loftus Road, the club is still facing relegation from England's top-flight.

Redknapp's appointment sparked a four-game unbeaten run but QPR have failed to remain consistent, losing three matches on the bounce, including Sunday's 3-0 defeat to Liverpool.

QPR have never beaten their London rivals in a league fixture at Stamford Bridge, with last season's 6-1 drubbing still fresh in the memory.

And more worryingly for Redknapp and his troops is the fact they are yet to win on the road this season.

Captain John Terry is working his way back to full fitness, while midfielder Oriol Romeu is still facing an extended stint on the sidelines.

Park Ji-Sung headlines a group of experienced QPR players, including Jose Bosingwa, Bobby Zamora and Nedum Onuoha, who are set to miss Wednesday's game.