90min

The Chelsea Lineup That Should Start Against Rennes

By Adam McGroarty

Abraham and Werner have started to form a promising partnership
Abraham and Werner have started to form a promising partnership / BEN STANSALL/Getty Images
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Chelsea travel to France on Tuesday to face Rennes in matchday four of the Champions League group stage.

Frank Lampard's side ran out winners when the two sides met earlier this month thanks to goals from Timo Werner and Tammy Abraham. The Blues are currently top of Group E on goal difference following a 4-0 thrashing of Krasnodar last month and a 0-0 stalemate at home to Sevilla on the opening day, and are yet to concede a goal in this year's competition.

Here's the team Lampard should start against Rennes on Tuesday.

1. Goalkeeper & Defenders

Chelsea's defence has looked rather solid in recent times
Chelsea's defence has looked rather solid in recent times / Visionhaus/Getty Images

Edouard Mendy (GK) - The Frenchman has caught the eye of Chelsea fans since his arrival in the summer, having kept seven clean sheets in his last eight appearances in all competitions.

Reece James (RB) - The right-back has played in two of Chelsea's three Champions League games this season, and already has an assist to his name in the competition. James should start to help counteract the pace of Rennes winger Jeremy Doku, who could feature on either flank.

Kurt Zouma (CB) - Zouma has come on leaps and bounds since Thiago Silva arrived at Stamford Bridge.

Thiago Silva (CB) - Since joining on a free transfer in the summer, Silva has shown Chelsea fans just why Lampard was so keen to snap him up. He is a real leader at the back, and has brought organisation to what was a leaky Chelsea backline not so long ago.

Ben Chilwell (LB) - Despite all the talk of new attackers, the left-back has been an exciting new addition to this Chelsea side since joining from Leicester City this summer.

2. Midfielders

Kovacic could keep his place after playing 90 minutes against Newcastle
Kovacic could keep his place after playing 90 minutes against Newcastle / MB Media/Getty Images

Mateo Kovacic (CM) - The midfielder started against Newcastle, but is expected to keep his place and have fresh legs around him for the trip to Rennes. Jorginho and Havertz could be introduced, with Lampard likely to rest Kante and Mount.

Jorginho (CDM) - Having played in both a 4-2-3-1 and a 4-3-3 this season, Lampard seems to be sticking with the latter formation in recent times. Jorginho could come in for Kante, who played 90 minutes against Newcastle at the weekend.

Kai Havertz (CM) - With Mount set to be given a rest after playing a full game at the weekend and featuring on international duty, Havertz could join the midfield trio as his replacement. The German has played in two of Chelsea's three Champions League matches.

3. Forwards

Ziyech has been impressive since his return from injury
Ziyech has been impressive since his return from injury / Alex Livesey - Danehouse/Getty Images

Hakim Ziyech (RW) - The winger has started Chelsea's last five matches in all competitions. Ziyech's technique and crossing ability has added a new dimension to the Blues' frontline, and he's already netted for Chelsea in Group E.

Tammy Abraham (ST) - While it looked like Abraham may lose his place up top following the arrival of Werner, Lampard has found a way to get them both firing together. Abraham has featured in all three of Chelsea's group games, netting one and laying on an assist.

Timo Werner (LW) - It seems Lampard has found Werner's future position, coming in from the left of the Chelsea attack. The German has bagged three goals and an assist in the three Champions League games so far this season.