Chelsea Predicted XI vs Rennes: Frank Lampard’s possible starting XI as experienced defenders set to return

Chelsea travel to France to take on Rennes on Tuesday evening knowing a victory could guarantee qualification to the knockout phase for the second year in a row. 

If the Blues win they will just need Sevilla to get a point away against Krasnodar and their passage to the last-16 will be sealed.

In the reverse fixture, Frank Lampard’s side cruised to a 3-0 win at Stamford Bridge earlier this month.

Now the West London side, who are aiming to stretch their unbeaten run to 10 matches in all competitions, will be aiming for a similar result at Roazhon Park. 

With a big squad to choose from and games coming thick and fast, which players will Lampard task with trying to secure a sixth win in a row?

Here we predict the Chelsea starting XI to take on Rennes…

Goalkeeper:

Edouard Mendy has settled in extremely well since his move – from Rennes – in September.  The 28-year-old will now loo forward to returning to his old club as he aims to register his eighth Blues clean sheet and seventh in the last eight matches. Those numbers prove what a much needed signing the Senegal international was with Kepa Arrizabalaga struggling for form.

Defenders:

Although the Blues put in another solid performance in the win at Newcastle United, Lampard is expected to shuffle his back-four. Reece James has been exceptional all season but the club captain Cesar Azpilicueta is expected to return. Meanwhile, at centre-back, the experienced Thiago Silva should return after being given a rest at the weekend following his international travel with Brazil. Alongside the former PSG star should still sit the now seemingly reliable Kurt Zouma, while Ben Chilwell should continue at left-back.

Midfielders:

In the middle of the park, N’Golo Kante has been in top form of late so will be expected to continue in his natural defensive midfield role as Chelsea travel to his birth country. Despite having numerous options, Lampard is also expected to stick with Mateo Kovacic and Mason Mount, who both impressed and played 90 minutes in the win at St James’ Park.

Forwards:

With plenty of top forwards at his disposal, it’s not been easy for Lampard to settle on a front-three. However, in recent matches, the combination of Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner and Tammy Abraham has been effective enough that he will stick with the trio in France. Playing from the left, Werner has still chipped in with goals and assists, while Abraham has scored in his last three Chelsea games. This leaves the likes of Olivier Giroud and Callum Hudson-Odoi on the bench – not bad at all.

Predicted Chelsea XI: Mendy; Azpilicueta, Zouma, Silva, Chilwell; Kante, Kovacic, Mount; Ziyech, Werner, Abraham.