Hakim Ziyech to start again with Kai Havertz and Mason Mount continuing new roles as Chelsea face Rennes in the Champions League

After three consecutive draws, things are starting to click for Chelsea.

A 4-0 victory over Krasnodar in the Champions League was a vital confidence boost and they followed it up with a 3-0 triumph against a stubborn Burnley side in the Premier League.

Sitting top of the Group E, the Blues now have the chance to improve their qualification hopes with another win, this time against bottom side Rennes.

The French club, who have wonderkid Eduardo Camavinga in their ranks but unable to play due to injury, have so far been unable to carry over their domestic form onto the international stage.

Rennes are currently third in Ligue 1 having qualified for Europe’s elite competition after finishing the last campaign in the same position, with the season ended early due to the coronavirus pandemic.

A draw with Krasnodar and a defeat to Sevilla on the last Matchday has left them with an uphill task to make it out of the group stage and into the knockout rounds.

Frank Lampard’s men will have the lowdown on their opponents too, having signed goalkeeper Edouard Mendy from the Brittany-based side.

He’s likely to start the game too and his early performances have certainly lived up to his promise since being signed on the recommendation of club legend Petr Cech.

“When we were in to look to sign Edouard, we made the inquiries, Petr Cech was heavily involved which is pretty common knowledge,” said Lampard.

“All the feedback was that he had a very strong personality in the dressing room. And everything that I heard, he’s been that.

“He’s very low maintenance, he works hard, wants to work more, and he’s eager to engage with team-mates and myself, he has a smile on his face and has played well.

“So it’s a real positive when you have a player that comes in and hits the ground running on the pitch, but also is a real positive in the dressing room.”

Chelsea team news

The Blues have had good news this week with Christian Pulisic unlikely to miss too much time after his injury prior to the game against Burnley.

“Christian had a scan yesterday that showed a very, very minor injury to his hamstring, very minor,” said Lampard.

“So he’s already back outside. He won’t be fit for tomorrow, but we’ll see after that.

“It is obviously a relief for the injury to be minor.

“He made the right decision in not attempting to play the game, because he could have made it worse.

“So it’s clearly a relief that he will be back very soon, because he’s an important player for us.”

Pulisic joins Billy Gilmour as a confirmed absentee, while Kepa Arrizabalaga is also likely to be out with a shoulder issue.

Predicted Chelsea line-up