Rennes v Chelsea live match stream

Our live match stream is up and running ahead of Tuesday evening’s Champions League fixture Rennes v Chelsea, kicking off at 5:55pm BST.

You can keep an eye on the commentary as it happens below, but first, we take a preview into the fixture, the lineups, predictions and much more.

In the previous game, Rennes ended up losing 1-0 to Bordeaux with Hatem Ben Arfa getting the only goal of the game in the 37th minute.

Chelsea managed to beat Newcastle by two goals to nil. A Tammy Abraham strike and Federico Fernandez own goal sealed a comfortable win on Tyneside; Chelsea went top of the Premier League table for the first time under Frank Lampard – until Tottenham beat Man City.

If Chelsea win against Rennes, they can progress from Group E as long as Sevilla get at least a draw against Krasnodar in the other game. If Sevilla win in Russia, the Blues will go through if they get at least a draw, while victories for Lampard’s men and Sevilla would send both through.

PRESS CONFERENCES:

Rennes manager Julian Stephan warned his players about in-form Chelsea as he praised Olivier Giroud’s commitment.

“As for their [Chelsea’s] form, it is impressive — they concede a few goals, score many,” he told the reporters during his press conference on Monday (via L’equipe).

“They have proved that they will certainly fight for the Premier League title.

“They have a lot of internationals, players who are regular in their selection and who [don’t play regularly].”

He further explained that he had Giroud in mind when he spoke about Chelsea’s squad depth.

“It shows all the richness of these clubs,” he added.

“He [Giroud] is an exceptional example for the players in terms of state of mind.

“You can see that, despite his situation, every time he comes in, even for a few minutes, there is total commitment.

“That’s also the case with very high level players.”

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard said on team news: “He says that Christian Pulisic is nearing fitness after injury but will not be ready for the game against Rennes but will be back soon. As we knew already, both Thiago Silva and Kai Havertz are available.”

Frank Lampard said Tammy Abraham’s all-round game has been really impressing him of late. “I am pleased with him,” Lampard says praising his link-up play and reminding people how well he played and how many goals he scored last season. “He is training brilliantly and he is enthusiastic and it is coming out in his game.”

Frank Lampard brought up the recent good form, however added that as soon as the drop levels that run could end. He says Ligue 1 side Rennes are a very good side and need to be treated with respect.

Lampard said Olivier Giroud is a vital member of the squad and is important going forward despite not playing much. Frank wants him to stay but if Giroud feels that needs “to go a different way” he will have “a conversation” with Giroud.

Lampard added the big weekend game against Tottenham will not be on his mind as preparing properly to face Rennes is vital.

FORM:

Rennes Champions League form: DLL
Rennes form (all competitions): LLWLLL

Chelsea Champions League form: DWW
Chelsea form (all competitions): DWWWWW

LINEUPS:

Rennes possible starting lineup:
Gomis; Traore, Aguerd, Da Silva, Truffert; Nzonzi, Camavinga, Bourigeaud; Doku, Guirassy, Terrier

Chelsea possible starting lineup:
Mendy; Azpilicueta, Zouma, Silva, Chilwell; Kante, Jorginho, Mount; Ziyech, Abraham, Hudson-Odoi

SportsMole predicts:

Chelsea’s defence is one of only two in the Champions League yet to be breached in the group stage – the other being Liverpool’s – and Lampard should have confidence in his rearguard to keep yet another clean sheet here.

Rennes are in a rut at the moment and have been performing abysmally compared to a Chelsea side sweeping aside all who stand before them, and we expect the Blues to triumph with ease and see their qualification for the knockout stages confirmed in midweek.

Score prediction: Rennes 0-2 Chelsea

Time to keep updated with our Rennes v Chelsea live match stream, check out stats, confirmed lineups, vote in our poll and see commentary…