Ferdinand prepared for hostile reception at Stamford Bridge

Anton Ferdinand last night told Chelsea fans he would not be cowed by any abuse directed at him in QPR’s Barclays Premier League trip to Stamford Bridge tomorrow.

This weekend’s west London derby will be Ferdinand’s first match at the home of Rangers’ arch-rivals since October’s fixture, after which allegations emerged that he had been racially abused by Chelsea captain John Terry. Terry, who faces a court case in July after being charged over the matter, has categorically denied any wrongdoing.

Ferdinand is expecting a hostile reception tomorrow from Chelsea supporters, who abused him during January’s FA Cup clash between the sides although the game passed off without serious incident.

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The 27-year-old, who was nevertheless sent a bullet ahead of that game at Loftus Road, said: “There is a big rivalry between the two clubs anyway but, with everything that has happened, I know there will be some fans targeting me. The Chelsea fans believe what they want to believe. They have their own view on what’s gone on, and if they are going to give me stick, that’s their problem. All I can say is that it won’t upset my game.”

The Football Association cancelled the usual pre-match handshakes before January’s cup tie and the Premier League last night took the same decision ahead of tomorrow afternoon’s clash.

Manager Mark Hughes confirmed Ferdinand had been instructed by his lawyers not to take part in any handshake, while Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo said his side “respected” the Premier League’s decision.

Meanwhile, Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry accepts there will be no hiding from the pressure of Monday’s pivotal clash against Manchester United.

City can reclaim top spot in the Barclays Premier League with a victory at the Etihad Stadium in possibly the most eagerly-anticipated Manchester derby ever. City’s hopes appeared over when they fell eight points behind following defeat at Arsenal earlier this month but, playing with nothing to lose, Roberto Mancini’s men have trimmed the deficit to three.

Barry said: “You’ve always got to hope. There’s always a danger of losing concentration if it’s not in your own hands, but now it is. To call it a second chance is probably right. It’s all built up to a huge game on Monday and we’re all really looking forward to it.

“There’s probably been less pressure on us in the last few games but you can’t get away from the size of the game against United and the pressure on the team.”