Frank Lampard set for hero’s welcome as Chelsea seek to build on Istanbul display

Blue Sunday | Frank Lampard can expect a huge ovation
Michael Regan/Getty Images
James Olley16 August 2019

Leicester was the stage for the final domestic act of Maurizio Sarri’s time as Chelsea manager so it is only right they should be the visitors for Frank Lampard’s second coming on Sunday.

Brendan Rodgers’ side will find a different dynamic 99 days on. Lampard may have endured a difficult start as Chelsea head coach after an agonising penalty shoot-out defeat to Liverpool in Wednesday’s Uefa Super Cup, coming four days after losing 4-0 at Manchester United, but nothing could dampen spirits around Stamford Bridge this weekend.

The 41-year-old’s lack of managerial experience will be used as a stick to beat him with if results are poor but few could have more of a unifying effect than Lampard upon his return to west London.

This will be an emotional occasion for the club’s all-time record goalscorer, perhaps the last for a while. His first press conference, first pre-season match, first competitive game and now homecoming at the Bridge: each have been small hurdles to overcome, slowly easing into his dream job.

Leicester look more primed than most to break the top six cabal, while Chelsea’s transfer ban combined with Eden Hazard’s departure to Real Madrid makes them look arguably the most vulnerable on paper.

In Pictures | Liverpool vs Chelsea, Uefa Super Cup | 14/08/2019

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Lampard will hope his arrival can generate an environment that extracts the best from players needing a lift after their exertions in Istanbul.

These are also two sides coming to terms with the loss of high-profile centre-backs. Harry Maguire’s world-record £80million move from Leicester to Manchester United was a deal too good to turn down while David Luiz forced a move across town to Arsenal after learning he was no longer first-choice.

Chelsea struggled to break Leicester down in the corresponding fixture last season, showing surprising paralysis when falling behind to Jamie Vardy’s 51st-minute strike — Leicester’s first victory at Stamford Bridge since 2000. Vardy has 16 goals in his last 22 games against the traditional top six.

That match showed how toothless the Blues could look without Hazard, a prospect that feels slightly less daunting after the Super Cup.

Christian Pulisic, Pedro and Olivier Giroud caused problems throughout before Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham proved worthy substitutes. Willian’s imminent return from a knee injury strengthens Lampard’s options in this area — though Vardy will pose similar questions at the other end.

James Olley will be Stamford Bridge on Sunday and you can follow the match LIVE on Standard Sport.

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