Chelsea predicted XI at Rennes: The Champions League is a priority

Chelsea heads to France for the reverse fixture against Rennes. The Ligue 1 side gave the Blues a fit last time, so who will be in Frank Lampard’s XI?

Chelsea’s next match in Rennes sparks some debate and questions due to the upcoming schedule. This is the second match back from the international break, and perhaps the last chance for Frank Lampard to rotate some of his paramount players until mid-December. Following the match in France, the Blues take on Tottenham, Sevilla, Leeds and Krasnodar before going to Everton and Wolves. All of that being said, Chelsea’s first game against Rennes wasn’t exactly smooth sailing. Here’s the predicted XI for the next Champions League contest:

Edouard Mendy (No. 16) Goalkeeper, Senegal

Edouard Mendy did well to keep a clean sheet against his former side the last go around. He’s become Chelsea’s undisputed No. 1 goalkeeper ever since making the move to Stamford Bridge from France. The Senegalese’s seven clean sheets in nine is astonishing and the confidence he instills in the back line is perhaps even more impressive. There is no other option than to start Mendy on Europe’s biggest stage.

Cesar Azpilicueta (No. 28) Right back, Spain

Cesar Azpilicueta has seen a lot less game time than he probably would like, but you wouldn’t know from his demeanor. The skipper is a consummate professional and would undoubtedly choose the team’s success over his own. All of that being said, Reece James played at the weekend and he’s likely to be included against Tottenham, so Azpilicueta earns a start in France. The Spaniard has been phenomenal when playing and he’ll continue to succeed for many years to come. The Blues don’t skip a beat when the skip plays, either.

Kurt Zouma (No. 15) Centerback, France

Kurt Zouma is quickly rising the ranks of Europe’s best centerbacks. After a long and frustrating journey back from his horrific ACL injury, Zouma is beginning to display his talent to the world on a consistent basis. He’s played a crucial role in the improvement of the Blues’ defense this year, and he undoubtedly makes the side better. Zouma’s in the prime of his career and there’s no reason for him to rest in Rennes.

Thiago Silva (No. 6) Centerback, Brazil

Thiago Silva earned himself a bit of time off when his teammates traveled up to play on Tyneside last weekend. His international travel schedule is brutal and his age doesn’t make matters any better. The Brazilian is a key inclusion on the back line in the biggest games. It’s hard to criticize Lampard’s handling of a touchy situation. Luckily, the gaffer has been there himself and knows exactly how to treat a world class, but aging, veteran. The decision to leave him behind last weekend was a stroke of genius considering Silva is a necessity in the next two or three matches against Rennes, Tottenham and Sevilla.

Ben Chilwell (No. 21) Left back, England

Of all the positions on the pitch, the left back spot is one of the most questionable heading into the match. Ben Chilwell is Chelsea’s No. 1—that isn’t up for debate. However, seeing as the Englishman suffered some back spasms during the international break, it’d be understandable if he got a rest in this one. The Rennes contest marks the beginning of the season’s toughest stretch, whether or not Chilwell is included will come down to his private conversations with the manager and physio. Chilwell makes Chelsea better, but the Blues can probably survive without him for a match. Lampard likely won’t take the risk though.