Predicted Chelsea XI to face Stade Rennes in the Champions League
Chelsea romped home to an emphatic 3-0 win over Burnley in the Premier League on Saturday, thanks to goals from Hakim Ziyech, Kurt Zouma, and Timo Werner.
Frank Lampard’s side will turn their attention to the UEFA Champions League with a home fixture against Stade Rennes on Matchday 3. The Blues are currently top of Group E after a goalless draw against Sevilla followed by a 4-0 demolition of Krasnodar in their previous outing.
The West London giants are on a six-game unbeaten streak in all competitions and they will once again be the outright favourites to come away with all three points against the French outfit on Wednesday night.
Team News
Lampard doesn’t have too many injury issues to contend with heading into the midweek Champions League tie at Stamford Bridge. Billy Gilmour (knee) is ruled out while Kepa Arrizabalaga (shoulder) and Christian Pulisic (thigh) are doubtful to play a part.
Probable Chelsea XI
Manager: Frank Lampard
Formation: 4-3-3
Edouard Mendy (GK)
The Senegalese international has enjoyed an excellent start to his Chelsea career with 5 clean sheets in 7 games. He should definitely retain his spot between the sticks.
Cesar Azpilicueta (RB)
Reece James was at the top of his game against Burnley but the club captain is likely to return to the starting XI for the Champions League tie.
Antonio Rudiger (CB)
The German has suffered a significant fall from grace at Chelsea this season but he could get another chance to impress after featuring in the 4-0 rout of Krasnodar.
Fikayo Tomori (CB)
The academy graduate has found regular minutes hard to come by but could get a look in against Rennes if Lampard opts for some rotation at the back.
Ben Chilwell (LB)
The England international has made a big impact following his move to West London in the summer. He is likely to feature among the starters once again, on Wednesday.
Mateo Kovacic (LCM)
The Croatian seems to have lost his status as an undisputed starter in Chelsea’s midfield after the club’s summer spending spree. However, he could return to the mix for the midweek clash.
Jorginho (CDM)
The former Napoli star only played a cameo off the bench against Burnley. But he could find himself back in the starting XI for this one.
Kai Havertz (RCM)
The German is yet to live up to the expectations but has already teased the fans with glimpses of his brilliance.
Hakim Ziyech (RW)
The Moroccan magician registered a goal and an assist on his first PL start for Chelsea at the weekend. He will be high on confidence heading into the midweek clash.
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Callum Hudson-Odoi (LW)
The youngster was one of Chelsea’s standout performers in the 4-0 win over Krasnodar and deserves another start on Wednesday.
Olivier Giroud (ST)
The World Cup winner has found himself behind Werner and Abraham in the pecking order. But Lampard should rotate his attack and hand Giroud an opportunity against Rennes.
