Lampard Challenging His Side To Replicate Recent Form

Manager Frank Lampard wants his side to avoid complacency ahead of this weekend’s Sky Bet Championship clash against Bolton Wanderers.

After beating Manchester United in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night, attention turns back to league action this weekend as the Rams head to the University of Bolton Stadium.

Bolton Wanderers are the hosts and Lampard is urging his side to continue the form from the previous two games.

“We need to remember the basics of what got us that result on Tuesday night and against Brentford,” the manager told RamsTV. “That was hard work, team work, team ethic and quality. There is only so much I can say but the players must take that. I loved the other night. I loved the personality of everyone involved but we have to fight against being over confident.

“It was a great performance but there are still things that we can improve on. There are still things that we need to be more consistent on so that’s the message. We take it in a good way, it was a good performance, but we must start bringing that game in, game out, to a degree.

“I’ve quickly realised in the Championship that the form of the team means nothing. You can try and read into form and results but when you come up against teams like Bolton, Rotherham, Millwall, they will give you a tough game.

“Bolton started the season well but the focus has to be on us. We will give the players the information they need but we must remain focused. The way we have played in the last two games, the focus must be on us to reproduce that.”

Tom Lawrence is available following the completion of his suspension after his sending off against Rotherham United, whilst defender Curtis Davies is close to returning to the squad.

“He is pushing and is back in full training but only for a couple of days,” Lampard said. “I think he needs a bit more in terms of being 100% match fit.

“Following the length of the injury, hamstring injuries are difficult, I would hate to push him into something he didn’t need to. I’ve got a great dialogue with Curtis but the weekend is a bit too soon for him but he’s certainly close.”

The manager picked the same starting 11 for the trip to Old Trafford on Tuesday night following Saturday’s impressive 3-1 victory against Brentford and asked if he was considering doing the same again, Lampard replied: “After a win and a draw you are always tempted to go with the same team but there are other elements to it.

“I have to weigh up fitness and how I see it. We have three games in a week coming up so I will make that decision on different merits. I picked the team against Manchester United because of the game against Brentford.

“That’s not a rule for every game but it’s a nice position for me to be in to know the players that are playing are really going for it and the players have to get to a level in training to push them close.”