Chelsea vs. QPR: Watch Live, Online Stream; Prediction, Probable Lineups, Preview

Preview: Sadly, as Queens Park Rangers get ready to host Chelsea, the dominant topic of conversation is the will-he-won't-he speculation about the pre-match handshake. It was in this fixture last season that Chelsea captain John Terry was accused of racially abusing QPR defender Anton Ferdinand. The saga ran into a legal case that found Terry innocent in July, but still has a Football Association charge pending with a decision due at the end of the month.

The unseemly affair has also dragged in Ferdinand's brother Rio and Terry's Chelsea teammate Ashley Cole, who appeared as a witness for the defense in the court case.

The Premier League have said that the handshake will go ahead, but whether Ferdinand and all of his teammates will proceed with it remains to be seen. Regardless of whether the handshake transpires, the matter is sure to only ramp up the atmosphere in Loftus Road even further. Taking on their most bitter rivals, QPR fans produced an intimidating atmosphere for the fixture last season and some of Chelsea's new signings could get a sharp introduction to the intimidation that can be created in a compact English football ground where the supporters are right on top of the players.

In terms of events on the field, Chelsea will be eager to get back on track after their 100 percent start to the new season was disturbed by a 4-1 demolition by Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup.

Cesar Azpilicueta could be in line for his debut, although manager Roberto Di Matteo may have hesitations about throwing the Spaniard into a local derby. The Blues will be hoping fellow-new signing Eden Hazard can continue his spectacular start to his Chelsea career and provide the ammunition for Fernando Torres.

It has been a drastically different start for QPR who have begun the season with just a solitary point to show from three matches. Loftus Road has enjoyed an eventful summer, with manager Mark Hughes overseeing a drastic overhaul of the playing staff. While several well-known names have been brought in from across Europe, many have baggage and there must be doubts as to their ability to gel into a cohesive team.

Brazilian international Julio Cesar could make his debut in goal in place of Robert Green, while Stephane Mbia, formerly of Marseille, may come in for Ryan Nelsen in the heart of the defense.

QPR (probable)

G: Julio Cesar

D: Bosingwa, Ferdinand, Mbia, Fabio

M: Wright-Phillips, Park, Faurlin, Granero, Hoilett

F: Zamora Chelsea (probable)

G: Cech

D: Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Cole

M: Mikel, Lampard

Ramires, Hazard, Mata

F: Torres Prediction: It is unlikely to be a savory atmosphere inside Loftus Road and that may well be reflected in the action on the field. Expect QPR to try and keep things tight, but, with a side as yet lacking a spine, it is hard to see them being successful against a team featuring the creativity that Chelsea have in their ranks. Expect a comfortable if not spectacular victory for the visitors.

QPR 0-2 Chelsea