3/1 To Win
Frank Lampard is urging his side to be ‘ready for battle’ for their visit to The Den on Saturday when they resume league play against Millwall.
Derby County look to return to winning ways in the Sky Bet Championship against the Lions, who are yet to win a league game.
Millwall proved themselves worthy of second tier football in their return last season, building a solid case for promotion under Neil Harris.
It’s the South London side’s simple but direct style that Lampard has studied and prepared his side for. The Rams boss, who knows Harris from his schooldays, noted the attacking style his side are set to meet and has urged them to be ready for a fight.
However, he is looking for his players to be the ones to control the game and not lose sight of their own game plan.
“They are a good team. I know Neil Harris very well and he has put together a very effective, strong team,” Lampard told RamsTV.
“They have a certain way of playing that makes them difficult to play against.
“We need to be ready to battle and have the right attitude. We must approach the game to be able to do the nasty side which is to try and win second balls, win tackles and duels.
“But, we mustn’t lose sight of the fact we want to play good football and really compete in the game and try and win it.
“It will be a tough afternoon and we have to go there to win. We need to know that it will be a very tough, tough day for us.”
The former West Ham and Chelsea midfielder is well aware of the hostility of London football and, though he has never played at the new Den, he is anticipating the home fans to deliver the imposing atmosphere that they are renowned for.
However, the Derby manager wants his players to use it to their advantage. To feed off the energy and provoke it with their own tenacity and aggressiveness in the way they play on the pitch.
Lampard said: “It’s a day for players to really stand up and be counted, but also to play.
“I’m not just talking about the bravery of tackles and contact but the bravery of playing in a difficult atmosphere.
“I’ll take it in good spirit, but my focus will be completely on the pitch and I expect our players to use the hostility for us.
“It’s a big plus for us if we use the environment in our favour and play well, then we can turn it around for us.”
The clash will be the third outing in a week for the Rams with a victory in the Carabao Cup over Oldham Athletic following a defeat to Leeds United last Saturday.
Tuesday night handed four Rams their debuts with Jayden Bogle, Jack Marriott, Scott Malone and George Evans all playing their part in the win.
Now, with mid-week games scheduled for the remainder of the month, Lampard won’t underestimate the importance of rotation and has the luxury of depth in the squad to make sure the strongest side will be put out.
“I was pleased with the performance and the people who came in did well,” he said.
“Rotation is going to be an important part of our season with the nature of the Championship and what it brings.
“Tuesday was positive evening to see those good performances, but this is a separate game. I’ll pick the teams on merits, in terms of the opposition and in terms of the freshness of the squad.”
