Chelsea will return to Champions League action on Wednesday and take on French side Rennes in their third match of Group E, and will look to pick up a win and strengthen their position in the group.
The Blues picked up a comfortable 3-0 win against Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday to end their two-game winless streak in the Premier League, and things are finally starting to click for Frank Lampard.
Chelsea have two winnable fixtures ahead of the international break, and will look to head into that on a high, starting with Rennes. The French side have been in pretty good form themselves, and are third in the Ligue 1 table. Like Chelsea, they too ended a patchy run of form in the league with a win in their previous game, beating Brest 2-1.
Chelsea Team News
Frank Lampard will be without Christian Pulisic, who has a hamstring injury. Billy Gilmour is still not match-fit, and it is unlikely he will play a part.
Marcos Alonso is back for the Blues after serving his three-match ban from last season’s encounter with Bayern Munich. His return will be a boost as it allows Lampard to rotate and rest Ben Chilwell.
Predicted Chelsea Lineup vs Rennes
Goalkeeper
Edouard Mendy will face his former team in goal, and will hope to keep a clean sheet against the French side. He has started well, and should keep his place in the Chelsea lineup.
Defence
Thiago Silva started against Burnley, and he could be given a breather to keep him fresh for the clash against Sheffield United on Saturday. Antonio Rudiger and Kurt Zouma could start at the heart of the defence, while Cesar Azpilicueta might replace Reece James at right-back in the Chelsea lineup.
Marcos Alonso could get a start at left-back considering Ben Chilwell has played thrice in the last seven days or so.
Midfield
Mason Mount, N’Golo Kante and Kai Havertz have performed well together in midfield, and the trio are expected to start once again come Wednesday.
Jorginho could see some playing time against Rennes as well, off the bench, and Mateo Kovacic is an option as well. It wouldn’t be a surprise of both of them start to give the duo of Mount and Kante a much-deserved rest.
Attack
Hakim Ziyech put in a stellar display against Burnley, and he is expected to start once again, The Moroccan’s pace, dribbling ability and vision will trouble teams this season and if he can stay fit, he will be a key player in the team.
Predicted Chelsea Lineup vs Rennes
Callum Hudson-Odoi and Tammy Abraham should complete the Chelsea lineup, with the former playing on the left. Timo Werner could get a breather as he has played a lot of football after joining the Blues. Olivier Giroud could provide an additional option off the bench.