This might not be the easy game many were predicting for the potential champions. Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has to scamper out of his penalty area to deny Charlie Austin before the striker could collect Joey Barton's through ball.

Austin then strikes one at goal from the edge of the penalty area, with Cesar Azpilicueta in the way.

Eden Hazard, tipped by Jose Mourinho to win the Player of the Year title, plays a ball from the only area of Loftus Road in shadow, down the line and wins a corner. But it comes to nothing. QPR, who have conceded 15 times in their last seven games, are looking steady at the back at the moment.

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Harry Partridge: Fabregas has had far fewer goals/assists in the second half of seasons compared to the first for years now. Was to be expected!

JJ: Everyone saying that Fabregas drop of form is because he's jealous of Arsenal. He does this every second half of the season!

Fionn McGuire: Those mentioning Fabregas going off the boil since Christmas, he does this absolutely every season. It's a dead certainty.

Bobby Zamora scoops a pass aimed at Charlie Austin, but Gary Cahill does well to nip in front of the striker to clear the danger.

At the other end Ramires comes storming into the near post to meet Didier Drogba's cross. Ramires gets in front of Nedum Onuoha and, facing the wrong way, tries to flick the ball at goal, but can only send it wide.

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Branislav Ivanovic's long throw misses everyone and bounces over Robert Green's crossbar without touching anyone. It zips up off the pitch that Paul was just talking about. Like a fast bowler steaming in and sending one in short. Just with a bigger ball.

BBC Radio London

Former Charlton midfielder Paul Mortimer: "The pitch looks like it is getting on a bit. There's been a few bobbles and it's making it difficult for the players. Certainly Geoffrey Boycott wouldn't be happy with it!"

Greg: I see that Cesc Fabregas's drop in form has coincided with Arsenal's better form. Is he getting jealous and wants a move back to the Emirates?

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Back to Loftus Road and we're still goalless. QPR have coped well with Chelsea so far, with only a mis-hit cross that bounced off the post from Willian, the only moment of panic for QPR goalkeeper Robert Green.

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Speaking of great free-kick routines. May I quickly point you in the direction of this clever free-kick recently. It is well worth a watch.

It came from the Women's Super League match between Notts County Ladies and Arsenal Ladies.

Laura Bassett appeared to begin to argue with Alex Greenwood as she approached to take the free-kick, before the ball was worked out for Ellen White to send a curling effort into the bottom corner from 18 yards.

"Thankfully it came off," White told BBC Radio Nottingham. "But now we can never do it again, which is a little annoying."

It is one straight from the training ground. And QPR are lucky to survive. Cesc Fabregas's low free-kick from the left flank finds an onrushing Nemanja Matic. He strikes goalwards, but the ball bounces off an unsuspecting Joey Barton to safety. They might only be able to get away with that routine once though.

Drogba's 37 by the way. With no Costa, no Remy and Fabregas and Matic one yellow card away from suspensions, is this a good time, if there ever is one, to play Chelsea?

BBC Radio London

Former Charlton midfielder Paul Mortimer: "Steven Caulker needs to accept he's not going to win many aerial duels with Didier Drogba. I don't care how old Drogba is, he is still impressive. Caulker needs to just drop off him."

We said Cesc Fabregas was wearing a protective mask. Here it is. Fetching. But at least it means he can play.

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Micky in Sheffield: Wasn't Jose Mourinho just talking about football focusing too much on individuals and now he's tipping Hazard for player of the year?

Will in London: Is it just me or does it seem a bit contradictory for Mourinho to criticise the Ballon D'or and then call Hazard the best player in the PL in the same week?

Andrew in Richhill: Cesc Fabregas started the season in spectacular form, but he has gone off the boil a bit recently. Could it be the stresses, strains and intensity of the Premier League season that he wasn't used to at Barcelona for the past few years? Mourinho hasn't rested him much this year.

He nearly banged his head on the QPR tunnel, and now Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is in pain. He is caught on the elbow by Charlie Austin. It was accidental from the QPR striker, but painful for the Belgian. He is OK though, and we continue.

Conor McMeekin: I see Willian is going to have a fantastic game again... Awful player, offers absolutely nothing.

Zavair Baakza: You just feel that today is Drogba's day. The small pitch might just help him and a beastly performance is long overdue.

Mr Kahill: The last time Chelsea met QPR at Loftus Road, they lost 1-0 with two red cards. Same day City hammered United 6-1 in the derby. Repeat?

It was not intentional but Willian nearly flukes Chelsea into the lead. His attempted cross from the right touchline bounces back off Robert Green's post. A lucky escape for the hosts. And also the goalkeeper, who was nearly embarrassed at his near post.

BBC Radio London

Former Charlton midfielder Paul Mortimer: "QPR are scoring goals but they are up against a team who are different proposition in Chelsea today."

Didier Drogba, playing up front on his own because of injuries to Diego Costa and Loic Remy, wins Chelsea their first corner. It's deep from a masked Fabregas where Ivanovic's knock back is cleared.

The home fans are in good voice. Their side have picked up four points from their last two matches, scoring seven goals in the process. Charlie Austin, with 17 goals this season, goes for an early sighter. He gets it all wrong and the ball loops harmlessly into Thibaut Courtois's hands.