Neil Warnock accepts QPR are up against it when they host in-form neighbours Chelsea but insists his side are ready for a Loftus Road battle and the Hoops are 7/4 with Victor Chandler to win or get a draw.
Rangers face their biggest test since returning to the top flight, with Chelsea arriving at Stamford Bridge within touching distance of the two Manchester sides who are leading the way this season.
The Blues have gelled well after the appointment of new manager Andre Villas-Boas and have scored 13 goals in their last three games.
Warnock’s team failed to beat bottom side Blackburn last week and were hammered 6-0 by fellow strugglers Fulham two weeks previously, but the QPR boss is not fazed by the prospect of another tough afternoon.
“You know what you’re going to get with Chelsea and you just have to hope they have an off day,” Warnock said. “They’re such a good team. We just have to get the atmosphere and enjoy it, give them a good game if we can.
“Playing against top teams, getting points is a bonus. I can sense on the training ground they are up for it, though.
“There’s that sense of buzz because it’s Chelsea and the first derby we’ve had for many years. Some of the kids that support QPR now have never seen any Chelsea players in the flesh. It’s a great day for them.”
United and City’s sensational starts to the season have meant Chelsea have been more under the radar than they are used to, but the Blues are 4/5 to be leading at half-time and full-time here.
Keeper Petr Cech said: “We are focused on our jobs, our training, our work. People can talk about Manchester or the other teams. Even if you’re in the spotlight and everyone’s talking about you, your main target is to keep your feet on the ground, to work well, to improve and to do your job.
“I think that’s what we’ve been doing so far and you can see we are in a good position in the league and a very good position in the Champions League. So far, it’s been very good for us.”