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

By Gabe Henderson

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: N'Golo Kante of Chelsea is challenged by Benjamin Bourigeaud of Stade Rennais FC during the UEFA Champions League Group E stage match between Chelsea FC and Stade Rennais at Stamford Bridge on November 04, 2020 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Adam Davy - Pool/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: N'Golo Kante of Chelsea is challenged by Benjamin Bourigeaud of Stade Rennais FC during the UEFA Champions League Group E stage match between Chelsea FC and Stade Rennais at Stamford Bridge on November 04, 2020 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Adam Davy - Pool/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 04: N’Golo Kante of Chelsea is challenged by Benjamin Bourigeaud of Stade Rennais FC during the UEFA Champions League Group E stage match between Chelsea FC and Stade Rennais at Stamford Bridge on November 04, 2020 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Adam Davy – Pool/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 04: N’Golo Kante of Chelsea is challenged by Benjamin Bourigeaud of Stade Rennais FC during the UEFA Champions League Group E stage match between Chelsea FC and Stade Rennais at Stamford Bridge on November 04, 2020 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Adam Davy – Pool/Getty Images) /

N’Golo Kante (No. 7) Defensive midfielder, France

Allowing N’Golo Kante to rest and properly recover over the last few months is one of the smartest things Lampard has done in his managerial career. Antonio Conte and Maurizio Sarri both rushed him back from injury on numerous occasions, leading to his persistent problems during Lampard’s freshman campaign. Luckily, Kante is back to his healthy, old self. The Frenchman is the world’s best when deployed in defensive midfield. Lampard made the switch to a 4-3-3 with Kante as his anchor and it’s been the reason for this recent run. He’s the little engine that never stops running and now that he’s healthy, he’ll be the first name—or second, behind Mendy, for aforementioned reasons—for the foreseeable future.

Mateo Kovacic (No. 17) Central midfielder, Croatia

Kai Havertz is still not 100 percent fit, even though he will likely feature. Therefore, Mateo Kovacic is the best chance for success in the middle of the park. The last time these two teams squared off, it was Kovacic’s counterpart who was included in the starting XI. The Blues conceded a lot of possession to the then-visitors and Rennes was able to remain in the game for the most part. This obviously excludes the B.S. penalty Chelsea was awarded, along with the French side’s unwarranted red card. The point being, the English giants weren’t able to control the match and the Croatian will assist the Blues in doing just that. Kovacic is in great form after notching two goals over the international break and playing extremely well on Saturday. Chelsea will need his combination of speed and skill to attempt to contain Eduardo Camavinga, who is back for this battle.

Mason Mount (No. 19) Central midfielder, England

Mason Mount is an automatic starter in the side, especially when Havertz is out. He’s a crucial part of Lampard’s style, despite what Football Twitter may want you to believe. The youngster offers a press like no other midfielder in England, along with a fantastic work rate and knack for creating chances. Mount played extremely well against Newcastle and was in scintillating form for England. For these reasons, he starts in another important Champions League match.

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