Chelsea vs Rennes Preview: How to Watch on TV, Live Stream, Kick Off Time & Team News
Chelsea will look to continue their unbeaten start to Group E in the Champions League when they host French side Rennes on Wednesday night.
Frank Lampard's side drew 0-0 with Sevilla at Stamford Bridge in the opening round of group stage fixtures a fortnight ago before picking up a 4-0 win at Krasnodar last week.
Rennes have just one point after their opening two Group E fixtures. The Ligue 1 side drew 1-1 when they hosted Krasnodar in the first game of the group stage and fell to a 1-0 defeat when they visited Sevilla last week.
Where to Watch on TV
When Is Kick Off? Wednesday 4 November
What Time Is Kick Off? 20:00 (GMT)
Where Is it Played? Stamford Bridge
TV Channel/Live Stream? BT Sport (UK), fuboTV (US)
Referee? Felix Zwayer
Team News
Having just made his way back from injury, Christian Pulisic is set to have a scan on a hamstring problem picked up in the warm up before Chelsea's fixture against Burnley at the weekend. The winger was withdrawn from the starting lineup and is a doubt to face Rennes.
There is positive news, however, as Billy Gilmour has made his return to training after a knee injury that required surgery. The midfielder has been building up his fitness over the last three months after catching the eye of Chelsea fans with some promising displays last season.
Kepa Arrizabalaga looks set to recover from a shoulder injury, but is unlikely to start. Edouard Mendy is expected to play in goal against Rennes, the club Chelsea bought the goalkeeper from during the summer.
Perhaps Rennes' most influential player, the exciting young midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, looks set to miss out through injury. The 17-year-old is set to return in mid-November.
In other areas, Rennes will be without Daniele Rugani, who is sidelined for a few weeks as he recovers from a thigh injury. Faitout Maouassa will also miss the match against the Blues, as well as Flavien Tait and M'Baye Niang.
Predicted Lineups
Chelsea: Mendy; Azpilicueta, Zouma, Rudiger, Chilwell; Jorginho, Kovacic, Kante; Hudson-Odoi, Mount, Abraham.
Rennes: Gomis; Traore, Da Silva, Aguerd, Dalbert; Nzonzi; Del Castillo, Lea Siliki, Terrier, Doku; Guirassy.
Recent Form
Chelsea's recent 3-0 win over Burnley in the Premier League was the club's fourth successive clean sheet in all competitions. Lampard's side currently sit sixth in the Premier League table, accumulating 12 points from seven games.
In the Champions League, Chelsea were held to a 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge against Sevilla in the opening fixture of Group E. However, the Blues picked up three points against Krasnodar last week in an impressive 4-0 win.
Rennes are currently third in Ligue 1 after nine games, with 18 points on the board - just three shy of league leaders Paris Saint-Germain. Rennes recently got back to winning ways in France's top division with a 2-1 win over Brest, but they are yet to make their mark in the Champions League.
An opening day 1-1 draw at home to Krasnodar was followed by a 1-0 defeat away to Sevilla last week. Rennes currently sit third in the group, with just goal difference separating them from Krasnodar.
Chelsea
Burnley 0-3 Chelsea (31/10)
Krasnodar 0-4 Chelsea (28/10)
Manchester United 0-0 Chelsea (24/10)
Chelsea 0-0 Sevilla (20/10)
Chelsea 3-3 Southampton (17/10)
Rennes
Rennes 2-1 Brest (31/10)
Sevilla 1-0 Rennes (28/10)
Rennes 1-2 Angers (23/10)
Rennes 1-1 Krasnodar (20/10)
Dijon 1-1 Rennes (16/10)
Prediction
Chelsea would be going into this game as favourites anyway, but the fact Rennes are hampered by injuries to key players should make it a straightforward night for Lampard's men.
The Blues boss should be able to rotate a few of his players, but will have any rested stars at the ready to call upon if required. The Blues should have too much quality in their ranks for Rennes to deal with.
Prediction: Chelsea 3-0 Rennes