Preview: Chelsea vs. Rennes - prediction, team news, lineups

23:50 04/11/2020

Chelsea play host to Rennes in the Champions League on Wednesday evening looking to strengthen their hold of top spot in Group E.

Meanwhile, the French side make the trip to Stamford Bridge looking to record their first ever victory in the group stages of this competition.

Although Chelsea came in for criticism for their performance against Sevilla on matchday one, Frank Lampard would have been perfectly content with claiming a point against their group rivals.

The stalemate provided the Blues with the platform to show more urgency against dark horses FC Krasnodar in Russia, ultimately leading to an important 4-0 victory being recorded on their travels.

Chelsea still have much work to do in order to qualify for the last 16, preferably as group winners, but their opening two results have left the pressure on their opponents heading into this match.

Having recently left Rennes from West London, goalkeeper Edouard Mendy will inevitably attract most of the attention ahead of this contest, but Lampard will not want to play down the recent contributions of any of his squad.

Despite criticism regarding several aspects of their performances, Chelsea have put together a nine-game unbeaten streak during normal time, only losing out to Tottenham Hotspur in the EFL Cup on penalties.

While Chelsea have been on an upward trajectory of late, Rennes have experienced the opposite courtesy of a four-match winless run being put together ahead of the weekend's meeting with Brest.

However, the comeback 2-1 win in Ligue 1 has lifted the mood at the club, who only sit three points behind leaders Paris Saint-Germain.

Regardless of their recent set of results, Rennes have only conceded six goals during their last five outings, an improvement on their record before the October international break.

Julian Stephan's side also possess a strong threat from set pieces, with defenders Nayef Aguerd and Damien Da Silva already netting three goals apiece this season.

Chelsea possible starting lineup:
Mendy; Azpilicueta, Zouma, Rudiger, Emerson; Kante, Jorginho; Ziyech, Mount, Hudson-Odoi; Abraham

Rennes possible starting lineup:
Gomis; Traore, Da Silva, Aguerd; Dalbert; Bourigeaud, Nzonzi, Martin; Doku, Guirassy, Terrier