Prediction: Rennes vs Chelsea

Verdict: Chelsea win

Best Odds: 4/6

Bookmaker: Unibet

Looking to continue on what has been a glittering run of form, a high-flying Chelsea will make the trip out to France when they face off against Rennes on Tuesday evening.

Rennes

Starting with the hosts, while Rennes might have shocked almost everyone across France last season in what was a famous campaign at Roazhon Park, Les Rennais have drastically struggled to match that level this time around. Last seen over the weekend when putting in a sluggish display on home soil, Julien Stéphan’s men were hit with a shock 1-0 defeat against Bordeaux and they have continued freefalling down the table. Enduring what has been by far their most testing spell over the past 12 months, Rennes have now lost each of their last three straight matchups across all competitions. With that run highlighted by back-to-back 3-0 drummings at the hands of both Chelsea and PSG earlier in the month, it should also be noted that Tuesday’s hosts have collected just a single victory in any of their last eight appearances. A side showing a host of issues in front of goal, Rennes could face another stern test in midweek.

Team News

After being sent off at Stamford Bridge in their 3-0 defeat, left-back Dalbert will be unavailable due to suspension.

Elsewhere, both Daniele Rugani and Faitout Maouassa look set to miss out on Tuesday evening.

Chelsea

As for the visitors, while Rennes might be in the midst of a hugely worrying rut, Chelsea have impressed many across Europe either side of the international break. Marking their return to action on Saturday lunchtime away at St. James’ Park, the Blues picked up a convincing 2-0 win against Newcastle and some have started to even tip them as a real Premier League title challenger this season. Appearing to really find their feet under Frank Lampard and also managing to collect seven points from their three Champions League matchups so far this year, the former England midfielder now finds his side in the midst of a five-match winning run across all formats. Cruising their way to the knockout stage and with the mood in their camp at a real high, Chelsea have also shown a host of eye-catching improvements at the back. Recording another clean sheet against Newcastle over the weekend, Tuesday’s guests have conceded just a single strike since October 17th.

Team News

Frank Lampard has a fully fit squad to choose from on Tuesday evening.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides faced off at Stamford Bridge earlier in the month, Chelsea picked up a 3-0 victory.
• Rennes have lost each of their last three matchups on the bounce and have failed to record a single strike in any of those defeats.
• Tuesday’s guests have conceded just a single goal in any of their last seven matchups across all formats.
• Rennes have managed to win just one of their last five contests on home soil.
• Chelsea have recorded four away clean sheets on the bounce.

Conclusion

Enjoying what has been a real purple patch and marking their return to action with a 2-0 win away at Newcastle over the weekend, Chelsea will be looking to keep up their momentum on foreign soil. Now in the midst of a five-match winning run across all formats and continuing to impress at the back, the Blues will be relishing a showdown against a Rennes side enduring a woeful run of form. Hit with a 1-0 defeat against Bordeaux on home soil last time out, we’re backing an away victory for the Premier League title-chasers in midweek.

Verdict: Chelsea win

Best Odds: 4/6

Bookmaker: Unibet