Premier League Week 4-Write up QPR v Chelsea

QPR 0-0 Chelsea

Going into this game the big story was whether or not Anton Ferdinand would shake the hand of John Terry. Unsurprisingly Ferdinand not only refused to shake Terry's hand but also refused to shake the hand of Ashley Cole, due in part to Cole's defense of Terry and the follow up charge aimed at Anton's brother Rio over "Choc Ice Gate". This sadly was the biggest story from the game which turned into a rather torrid derby affair.

Following the refused handshakes the game struggled to get going as both teams niggled at each other repeatedly and it seemed as if the game was stopping every 2 or 3 minutes due to one foul or another. It was fair to say the fouls were the big story of the match with Chelsea struggling to keep all 11 men on the pitch as the game both Ramires and Ryan Bertrand flirted with being sent off.

Whilst Chelsea were lucky not to have had at least 1 man sent off QPR were lucky not to have had a penalty awarded against them as Chelsea twice had great appeals turned down in a fiery game that provided little in the terms of real quality despite the players on the pitch. Interestingly however the aggressiveness of the challenges did seem to somewhat neutralise Eden Hazard, who, up to now, had seemed to dominate games at will.

QPR were there with a job to do and they did it well, showing great concentration and defensive toughness to hold off Chelsea. Whilst the result will be a boost to their faltering start to the season, they really need to hope that they can build on it and that it wasn't a 1-off driven by emotion.

For Chelsea this was a bit of a kick in all honesty. They not only showed a lack of discipline that saw them picking up 2 bookings that should probably both have been red but also a lack of maturity under the pressure and media spot light. The points they dropped here maybe the first points they've dropped so far this season but are perhaps a reminder that they aren't an unbeatable force, despite the additions of Hazard who was remarkably quiet here.

Week 4-Predictions (Saturday)

Norwich v West Ham (12:45)
For the third time this season West Ham will take part in the Early kick off as they travel to face Norwich. Whilst Norwich have struggled so far this season they appear to have shown signs that they are improving and with the likes of Robert Snodgrass they look like a team who could surprise folk. West Ham may have looked sensational against Fulham but they needed Andy Carroll and sadly for fans of the Hammers they are missing the England hitman here.
Prediction 1-1

Arsenal v Southampton
Arsenal's victory over Liverpool last time out will hopefully have kicked started Arsene Wenger's men who, if they click, will be a phenomenal team and a real title challenger. Southampton have shown a lot of promise so far though unfortunately sit at the bottom of the table with out anything to show for their efforts. I can't imagine anything but a clear Arsenal win here.
Prediction 3-0

Aston Villa v Swansea
The start of Paul Lambert's reign at Villa has been pretty awful so far with them taking just one point from their first 3 games. This a stark contract to Michael Laudrup who's reign in charge of Swansea has been nothing short of awesome with 7 points from 3 games and an amazing 10 goals, thanks in part to the excellent Michu who has been in fine form. I have to go with the form book here.
Prediction 0-2

Fulham v West Brom
Martin Jol's men will be looking to bounce back from their humiliating loss to West Ham last time out, though will face a very tough West Brom who have yet to be beaten in their 3 Premier League games so far. This is a match that many will over-look though I wouldn't be shocked if it actually turned out to be the best match of the day as both teams attempt to build on their start.
Prediction 2-2

Manchester United v Wigan
Alex Ferguson's men have struggled so far this season and looked less than their best however in their last 2 games they've managed to bag all 3 points thanks in part to their attack bailing out some awful defending. Wigan have been poor at the back so far so It's perhaps fair to expect a bit of a slaughtering here with Robin Van Persie and Shinji Kagawa both likely to test Ali Al Habsi repeatedly through out the match.
Prediction 4-0

QPR v Chelsea
QPR have been a team that have perhaps become the Premier League's whipping boys conceding 9 goals already this season, I expect them to again be hammered here as a rampant Chelsea look for their 5th successive win. Don't be shocked if Chelsea seriously fill their boots in this game and look for 4 or 5 before the final whistle.
Prediction 0-5

Stoke v Manchester CityStoke have made the Britannia Stadium a fortress in recent years and have proven to be very difficult to beat at home and whilst Manchester City are certainly expected to win, there is a lot more to this match up than some may suspect, most notably the fact that Manchester City will be playing Real Madrid in just a few days. Don't be surprised if Stoke manage to claim a point here.
Prediction 0-0

Sunderland v Liverpool (17:30)An emotional week for Liverpool fans come to an end as they travel to the North East and look for their first win of the Premier League season against the unbeaten Sunderland. This is the late kick off and expect an emotional crowd though hopefully we'll also have a great game. Liverpool have been looking like an improving team in recent matches but will now need to get some positive results. (A full preview of this match can be read here).
Prediction 1-0

All kicks offs are 15:00 unless otherwise stated.