Chelsea score predictions at Rennes: Another Champions League victory?

Chelsea takes on Rennes in the fourth match of the Champions League group stage. How does The Pride of London staff seeing the match play out?

Chelsea travels to France as the Blues look to continue their march toward Champions League elimination round qualification. Rennes played Frank Lampard’s side tough a few weeks back, so this match is definitely one to keep an eye on. If the Blues—and Sevilla—take three points from today’s matches, they both secure a spot in the next round.

There is a lot riding on the contest, but how do The Pride of London‘s writers see the game going?

Olaoluwa Nwobodo: 0-3 Chelsea

The Blues lost control of the reverse fixture, but they were still able to hold onto a three-goal lead. Lampard could rotate in this match, though he’s likely to do that when Chelsea is already in a comfortable position, rather than from the word go. The Blues’ game against Newcastle showed fight, that is something they’d need again as Rennes will likely make the match more difficult uncomfortable after what happened in the reverse fixture. Chelsea will take confidence in the fact that it’s won the last six matches in all competitions. Hakim Ziyech to bag another Champions League goal.

Mike Malley: 0-2 Chelsea

With a six-point cushion for qualification and a huge match against Tottenham at the weekend, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Lampard rotate the squad a bit here. Even so, Chelsea’s reserves should be able to put down Les Rennais fairly comfortably. Olivier Giroud should get the start at striker and hopefully put in a good performance to raise his market value heading into the January transfer window.

Oliver Smith: 0-3 Chelsea

Reasonably, Chelsea has maybe 13 players that Lampard should be playing week in and week out in order to stay competitive in the Premier League. That is why it is crucial for the manager to use this game for rotation. With the games and injuries piling up around the Blues, they might finally have a full complement of players to choose from. Giroud should start, as should Callum Hudson-Odoi, Emerson, Fikayo Tomori and hopefully Billy Gilmour will see some action. Wouldn’t be surprised if Kai Havertz is given a run out to ensure he is fresh for Spurs (he’ll nick a goal), Giroud to score the other two.

Tan Yi Hao: 0-4 Chelsea

Chelsea is in fantastic form right now and Saturday’s win over Newcastle—despite the Blues putting in an average performance whilst missing some key players—is a testament to the team’s immense strength in depth. Chelsea will once again have too much for its opponent. A straightforward 4-0 win it is for the Blues.

Scott Brant: 1-3 Chelsea

I really hope Lamps doesn’t rotate too much and sends out a strong XI. There are 29 Premier League matches left, the focus should be on this Champions League match. Worry about rotation during matches like Spurs and Leeds. Honestly, the points in Champions League currently mean more to me than defeating Jose Mourinho and Spurs. I get that is the big attraction come the weekend, but finishing first in this group, and possibly setting ourselves up for a run in the knockout stages (depending on who we draw obviously) is my main priority.

It’s early in the season only a quarter the way through, plenty of time for points to be made up in the Premier league table. Crush Rennes and then Sevilla and we are likely good to go as far as group stages go. Hopefully Giroud gets another sub appearance. Timo Werner to score and not miss multiple sitters, the Alvaro Morata comparisons are killing me. He’s so much better than Alvaro.

Varun Dani: 0-3 Chelsea

Thiago Silva and Havertz will make their returns as Lampard looks to qualify from the group without any hassle. Rotation will be at a minimum, but there could be some surprise changes with the Spurs game on the horizon. Ziyech and co. to take care of business as Mendy says his final goodbye to Roazhon Park.

Abhishek Pancholi: 0-4 Chelsea

A walk in the park for Frank Lampard’s charges, as a rotated line-up dispatches the hosts with relative ease. Werner will add a couple more goals to his tally, with Mason Mount scoring the other two on the night.

Michael DeVito: 0-3 Chelsea

The train continues to roll down the track as the Blues and clean sheet Edouard Mendy prevail again in a breeze. Hopefully, Giroud and Hudson-Odoi are given starts as they deserve them. Rest for Werner and N’Golo Kante is still a concern. If Giroud and CHO start, they notch goals along with “Air Zouma” on a brilliant corner by Ziyech.

Barrett Rouen: 0-4 Chelsea

Tammy to score because that’s what he does.

Gabe Henderson: 0-4 Chelsea

The Blues struggled the last time out against the French debutants, but they won’t make the same mistakes twice. Chelsea is being given the opportunity to qualify for the knockout stages and Lampard’s men will seize the opportunity.

Travis Tyler: 0-2 Chelsea

Not unlike the Newcastle game, the Blues find themselves on top, but devoid of chances. A set piece goal gives the Blues the lead early in the second half, and the customary post-hour mark pile on sees a winger smash it into the top corner to send Chelsea into the next round.

Joel Kristian Frederick Burton: 0-2 Chelsea

Lampard will be able to rotate Silva and Havertz back into the starting XI, which should mean there is sufficient quality to wrap-up three Champions League points. Despite two defeats in Ligue 1 for Rennes since the teams last met, Chelsea will need to be on its game to counteract a team that will be eager to secure at least Europa League football through a third place finish in the group.

Jake Brigstock: 2-0 Chelsea

Chelsea cruised the last time we played Rennes, and with the side understanding each other much more since that fixture, I think we’ll dominate in France and come away with a 2-0 victory without exerting too much energy. It’ll be nice to see Mendy get a warm welcome upon his return, but he won’t do the home side any favors. He’ll keep a clean sheet for Chelsea. A little rotation could be expected, but I think Abraham could start and score again, and maybe followed up by a goal from the midfield

What’s your score prediction for the match? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!