Chelsea vs. Queens Park Rangers: Preview, Live Stream, Start Time and More

Every match it seems in the English Premier League has serious ramifications one way or another at this time of year, but rarely will it occur in two different ways in the same match.

When Chelsea take on Queens Park Rangers in Week 36 of the league, however, that's exactly what's going to happen as Champions League aspirations and relegation fears clash in the same match.

For the Blues, they know the need for three points to keep them in the race for fourth spot and that crucial Champions League berth. However, they sit a huge four points back from Newcastle United and a single point behind Tottenham Hotspur.

QPR, however, will have a far different strategy on their minds—survival. They currently sit three points clear of the relegation zone, but with Wigan, Blackburn and Bolton all showing extreme fighting spirit, they can't afford to take anything for granted.

It's certainly shaping up as a fascinating encounter, with so much at stake for both teams in this one. Everything you need to know and much more is right here, so with that, let's roll.

Where: Stamford Bridge

When: Saturday, 28th April at 8:30 AM ET

Live stream: ESPN

Last time these two met: Queens Park Rangers 1, Chelsea 0

While Chelsea did chalk up a win over Rangers in the FA Cup, the last time these two sides met in the English Premier League, it was QPR who walked away with all three points in a shock win.

In that match, an early Heidar Helguson penalty gave the hosts the lead, and they were soon boosted by the two red cards shown to Chelsea. Both Jose Bosingwa and Didier Drogba were sent marching before half time as QPR still held a one-goal advantage.

Chelsea would finish the match with more possession, more shots on target and a higher passing accuracy, yet no points to show for it as Rangers held on for a 1-0 victory.

The talking point of the match, however, was the seven yellow cards and two red cards that the Blues received throughout the 90 minutes.

Player to watch: Juan Mata (Chelsea)

Juan Mata, at Stamford Bridge, will no doubt be the player to watch in this one.

The Spanish midfielder has scored every single one of his Premier League goals in front of the home crowd this season, and it wouldn't surprise many if he added to that total again in this one.

Mata ranks third in goal-scoring in the league this year for Chelsea and first in assists. He averages three key passes per match and tops the club for average match rating. His work rate is phenomenal and his midfield skills are crucial to the Blues' attack.

He is becoming a truly complete footballer.

Mata may have scored the most controversial goal of the year so far in Chelsea's 5-1 drubbing of Tottenham in the FA Cup semifinal, but there will be no doubt as to the dominance of his performance against Queens Park Rangers.

Expect the Spaniard to register either a goal or an assist, and be an integral part of the Blues' victory.

Hot-to-trot tip for the match: Second half as the highest scoring half

Throughout the English Premier League season, Chelsea have been a second-half team.

They might score them, they might let them in, but either way, half-time does wonders for the scoresheet in matches involving Chelsea.

In fact, the Blues have only played in six matches all year where the first half has been the highest scoring half—that's just 17 percent of their matches.

QPR also have conceded and scored more second half goals than first half goals.

Looks like a pretty good option to me.

Prediction: Chelsea 2, Queens Park Rangers 0

Chelsea have been in scintillating form of late, and they will no doubt be fired up for this one.

In the space of eight days, they've notched up an FA Cup semifinal win over Tottenham, defeated Champions League favorites Barcelona and held Arsenal scoreless at home.

Once you throw in to that mix the chance of a Champions League final spot, it's quite clear that the Blues are putting together some excellent form at the right time of year.

QPR will no doubt give it their all, but will ultimately be not good enough for a disciplined and focused Chelsea outfit who close the gap on both Newcastle and Tottenham with three points in this one.

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