3/1 To Win
Manager Frank Lampard has called for calm heads as his Derby County side travel to the Liberty Stadium on Wednesday to face Swansea City.
The Rams hold the advantage in the race for the final Sky Bet Championship play-off spot heading into this midweek fixture against the Swans.
After Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Bristol City, Derby moved four points clear of Lee Johnson’s side, however, remain level on points with Middlesbrough after they too secured three points at the weekend.
Lampard’s side have played a game less than Boro and hold a superior goal difference, meaning a victory on Wednesday against Graham Potter’s Swansea side would put the Rams in a commanding position going into the final game of the season against West Bromwich Albion on Sunday.
“It was a great result over a close rival at the weekend,” Lampard told RamsTV, speaking of the victory at the weekend against Bristol City. “The players did really well and really fought hard for the win in a difficult game.
“We were pleased with that. The support we had there gave a really good feeling after the game. It is very important to quickly bring it back and realise that we can’t get over excited, yet.
“Without a doubt we need to keep calm and focused because we need to get more points to make sure. We are in a nice position and the feeling is good but we need to focus.
“I think we are certainly entitled to enjoy the result on Saturday night. As usual with games, there were lots of positives in terms of the fact that we won ad certain elements of our game, but there are always improve on.
“I saw that and we will try and change some small details so we can keep going and keep improving. Swansea are a different challenge completely. They are playing very well at the moment, particularly at home and we need to be ready.”
Swansea’s 2-2 draw with Hull City at the weekend ended their faint hopes of reaching the Championship play-off spots, but Lampard doesn’t believe that counts for anything midweek.
“They made a run and are playing good football,” he said. “The club is in a transition after coming down from the Premier League. They are a dangerous team for us.
“They are not in a position now to fight for the play-offs, but that can sometimes give them the freedom as well. I don’t think we should take anything for granted, I certainly won’t. It will be a tough match.
“When you are in form and playing well, as they are, you want to keep that going. There is no reason that they would come off it.
“It is a game in front of their home fans, against a club who are trying to push for the play-offs. It is absolutely clear that they will try and give everything to get a result in their favour.
“We will always approach it with a positive attitude to try and win the game. A win puts us very, very close and then goal difference would come into play slightly.
“Whatever happens, West Brom on the weekend will have a lot on it because it might be something where we need a result or we need to be sure we push it home, but we have Wednesday to handle first.”
Derby head into the game full of confidence after picking up 10 points from a possible 12 available and have recorded three clean sheets in that time.
Whilst confidence is said to breed success, the manager does not want to get carried away with that impressive run of form.
“I get scared of the word momentum,” he admitted. “I think momentum can make you relax when you start talking about it.
“We have certainly picked up some good points in the run in which has put us in contention after a difficult period that we had where we had our injuries and we weren’t winning games, particularly away from home.
“That momentum has only come because of the players, it is only because of their work and their focus, their desire and determination to get results. The minute that drops we will be in trouble, so we must continue to do that.”
