He might not feature in the game - but Adel Taarabt insists QPR can spring a surprise on Chelsea just like the last time they were at Stamford Bridge.

In January 2013, a struggling Rangers, then as now at the wrong end of the Premier League, took on the other west London Blues in their backyard, and with backs to the wall throughout, carved out a 1-0 courtesy of Shaun Wright-Phillips strike 12 minutes from the end.

Taarabt played all but two minutes added time on the day, and although at the centre of a row last week with his manager over his supposed lack of training, reckons history can repeat itself.

“The last time we played there in the Premier League we won at Chelsea. If we can go in 0-0 at half time, and maybe even 70 minutes you can win, but not after five (if we concede).”


Shaun Wright Phillips (L) scores for Rangers

Taarabt was pencilled in by boss Harry Redknapp to appear in the U21 match against Swansea on Tuesday, but in the didn't feature.

However, one of those almost certain to line up at the Bridge, and charged with keeping Chelsea at bay is Steven Caulker who pocketed Aston Villa’s Christian Benteke on Monday to help earn Rs a precious 2-0 win.

The defender reckons that sometimes it’s the harder games that allow clubs like Rangers to spring the surprise of 2013.

He said: “They don’t get any easier but those are the sort of games where you can frustrate teams.”

Keep up to date with all the build-up, matchday and post-game reaction to Chelsea v QPR right here on GetWestLondon.