Predicted Chelsea XI: Rennes (H)
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Chelsea are back in action tonight as they host Ligue 1 side Rennes at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League.
It’s a case of top versus bottom in Group E as the Blues sit pretty on four points after two European matchdays, whilst the visitors are bottom of the group following a solitary draw at home to FC Krasnodar.
Frank Lampard’s side comes into the match on an impressive run of form, with four clean sheets in the last four matches.
An upturn in defensive solidity has coincided with the arrival of goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, who signed for the club from tonight’s opponents in September.
Lampard will be without winger Christian Pulisic for the match as the Chelsea boss confirmed the American’s absence during his press conference, saying: “He (Pulisic) had a scan and it is a very minor injury to his hamstring. He is already outside training. He’s not fit tomorrow, but we’ll see after that.”
Here’s how we think Lampard will line up, with just the one change predicted from the team which began the 3-0 win at Burnley on Saturday…
GK - Edouard Mendy
Faces his former employers after relieving Kepa Arrizabalaga from his plight. Very impressive in his short career in London to date.
RB - Reece James
Likely to be preferred over the defensively sound Cesar Azpilicueta with Chelsea expecting to dominate possession.
CB - Kurt Zouma
Growing into his role as one of Lampard’s main centre-backs alongside Thiago Silva.
CB - Thiago Silva
The experienced Brazilian will know plenty about the opposition, having spent eight years plying his trade in France with Paris Saint-Germain.
LB - Ben Chilwell
Impressing more and more as a Chelsea player having joined in the summer. Influential going both ways of late.
CM - Jorginho
Only used as a substitute on the weekend but could come back in for this one.
CM - Kai Havertz
Another of the new boys settling in now and having plenty of impact on results of late.
CM - Mason Mount
Continues to play his part despite a host of attacking signings. Huge credit to the young Englishman.
RW - Hakim Ziyech
Comfortably his best performance against Burnley and after waiting months to see him in Chelsea blue is already paying back the faith.
LW - Timo Werner
Adding goals to his bright early-season performances. Will be hopeful of upping his tally tonight.
CF - Tammy Abraham
Much like Mount, the striker has avoided being cast aside despite the summer spending. Will be hopeful of putting another shift in to stay in the team.
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