Chelsea can become the first side to qualify for the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League if they beat Rennes on Tuesday evening.
The Blues top the group with seven points and are ahead of Sevilla on goal difference. And who do the Blues play in Spain next week? Sevilla of course.
As for this matchup, Chelsea beat Rennes in the reverse fixture at Stamford Bridge 3-0 with Timo Werner netting a brace of penalties with Tammy Abraham adding a third in the second half.
Frank Lampard’s side has experienced a rejuvenation of sorts with the introduction of summer signings Hakim Ziyech and Ben Chilwell to the side after respective injuries have improved Chelsea on both the defensive and offensive side of the pitch.
Chelsea are on a three-game winning streak and are unbeaten in seven league games as they sit third in the Premier League table.
When Lampard was asked how he guided the team to an improved defensive record over the last two months, Lampard put it to improvements of small margins within the team.
“We have coached, and we have assessed the main areas of where we conceded. Some were mistakes in the games, like Southampton and West Brom.
“Sometimes it is small margins, but what has gone up is the concentration of the team and the work and personnel helps that. The collective has to be the most important thing.”
Mason, Chelsea’s The Man on a Mission
One player who’s been an integral part of Lampard’s squad this season is academy graduate Mason Mount.
The England hasn’t been without his fair share of criticism this season and has been labelled as a favourite of Lampard to include in the first eleven even after poor performances.
Lampard voiced his praise for Mount and how important he is on the pitch.
“Every individual is different. We have a huge fan base and social media has changed criticism. He makes really efficient decisions; he presses more than any midfielder I have seen. I know that he has a lot to improve on, but he is a quality football player and is only going to get better. Any player doesn’t get favoritism, especially when there is competition in the squad.”
Chelsea Betting Prediction Against an Overmatched Rennes Squad
Chelsea are overwhelming favorites tonight against Rennes and it’s not just based on Chelsea’s good form.
Rennes have lost three of their last four games in Ligue 1 and are scoreless in their last two games. They’re yet to win a game in the UEFA Champions League as they sit bottom of Group E.
I think Chelsea win in a convincing fashion in France with Tammy Abraham scoring as he continues his good form.
Odds on Chelsea scoring the win open at -200. Odds on Rennes winning their first game in the Champions League open at +500. Odds on a draw between the two sides open at +350.
