London: Resurgent Chelsea would like to start 2013 on a winning note when relegation-threatened Queens Park Rangers visit Stamford Bridge on Wednesday. So far the Blues have won four straight games and don't look like breaking up the momentum, as they aim to break Manchester United's dominance under Rafael Benitez.
Going into Christmas and New Year, Chelsea had thrashed Aston Villa 8-0 and then registered wins over Norwich City and Everton. With the transfer window open, Benitez has some calculations to do regarding the departures and arrivals at the club.
Frank Lampard bouncing back to form is a good sign for the London club, as the Englishman scored two goals at Goodison Park to prove that he is not a spent force yet.
While Harry Redknapp feels the need to strengthen his QPR side with the transfer window still open in order to stay afloat in the league. They started off well under Redknapp, but three successive defeats has pegged them back and the major 3-0 loss being at home to Liverpool.
Moreover, QPR are fighting hard for survival, so far have 10 points from 20 matches and they would desperately want to have a fruitful trip.
In the other big match of Wednesday night, Liverpool would aim for back-to-back win when they take on Sunderland at Anfield. But the visiting team is in perfect touch and has won three of their last five EPL matches.
However, this match gives Sunderland a chance to straighten their record against the Reds. Sunderland have defeated Liverpool three times in 23 attempts and never beaten them at Anfield.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is likely to be back after being down by illness last weekend and so also some other ill players who were rested to avoid infection. Meanwhile, for Sunderland Steven Fletcher has been the scoring machine with eight goals from 20 matches in this season and would like him to score also at Anfield.
In order to further their power, Sunderland are in talks to sign New York Red Bulls' Tim Cahill, but in this match they have to rely heavily on their defending.
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