The Chelsea Lineup That Should Start Against Rennes

Chelsea will be looking to stamp their authority on Group E with a win on Wednesday night as the Blues welcome French side Rennes to Stamford Bridge.

Frank Lampard's side are currently top of their Champions League group after a 0-0 stalemate with Sevilla was followed by an emphatic 4-0 victory away at Krasnodar. The Blues are currently on a good run of form, having kept clean sheets in each of their previous four matches in all competitions.

Rennes come into this match hampered by injury. Julien Stephan's team will be without young startlet Eduardo Camavinga as well as Daniele Rugani, Faitout Maouassa and Flavien Tait. M'Baye Niang is also expected to miss the clash with Chelsea.

This will likely mean Lampard could afford to rest a few of Chelsea's key players and keep them on the bench to call upon if needed later in the game.

Here's the team the Chelsea boss should pick against Rennes.

1. Goalkeepers & Defenders

Chelsea's defence seem to play with confidence when Mendy is between the sticks / Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Edouard Mendy (GK) - The summer signing will be looking to continue his good run of form. Mendy has kept clean sheets for Chelsea in his previous five games in all competitions, and will be looking to make it five against his former side.

Cesar Azpilicueta (RB) - A reliable alternative to Reece James for Lampard, who is expected to rotate his side against Rennes. Azpilicueta's introduction would allow James to rest after starting against Burnley.

Kurt Zouma (CB) - The Frenchman started for Chelsea at the weekend but could keep his place after netting the second goal of the game on Saturday.

Antonio Rudiger (CB) - The centre-back almost left Chelsea in the summer, but could prove to be a useful rotational player for Lampard. The German could fill in against Rennes to give 36-year-old Thiago Silva a rest.

Ben Chilwell (LB) - After signing from Leicester City during the summer, Chilwell has made that left-back spot his own. The Englishman has made an impressive start to his Chelsea career and has started in the previous two Champions League games.

2. Midfielders

Havertz is in need of confidence and could keep his place / Pool/Getty Images

Jorginho (CDM) - The central midfielder didn't start against Burnley at the weekend, so could slot into the midfield to give Lampard tactical variation. Jorginho can partner another midfielder in a 4-2-3-1, or play in a 4-3-3.

Mateo Kovacic (CM) - The Croatian midfielder wasn't even in the squad against Burnley, but his introduction to face Rennes would allow Lampard to rest Kai Havertz.

N'Golo Kante (CM) - After starting against Burnley, Kante could keep his place in the starting lineup to provide balance to the midfield trio. Kante's defensive strengths allow him to work well alongside Kovacic, who is more of an advanced midfielder.

3. Forwards

Abraham could start up top to give Werner a break on the sidelines / Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Callum Hudon-Odoi (RW) - While Hudson-Odoi is a versatile winger who can also play on the left side, Mount's potential inclusion could see Hudson-Odoi line up on the right flank. The Englishman started against Krasnodar in the previous Champions League game.

Tammy Abraham (ST) - Timo Werner was supposed to be on the bench against Burnley before an injury to Christian Pulisic, so resting him could well be on Lampard's mind. Despite Abraham playing alongside the German on Saturday, the English striker should get the nod on Wednesday night.

Mason Mount (LW) - While Hakim Ziyech has burst onto the scene following his recovery from injury, Mount started in a midfield trio against Burnley. Ziyech will likely be rested after starting the previous two games, paving the way for Mount to start in a more advanced position.

How Chelsea could line up on Wednesday / buildlineup.com