Lampard managed eight goals against Spurs during his 13 years with Chelsea and whether he starts or appears from the bench against them this weekend, the travelling fans will be hoping his time against them is limited!
The fact he is a former Chelsea and West Ham player – traditionally two of Tottenham’s biggest rivals – won’t be lost on the visitors’ supporters, either, who are likely to give him a ‘warm’ welcome.
“I’ve done alright against Spurs over the years and playing them was always a big game at Chelsea,” he said.
Even when I was at West Ham, Tottenham were big rivals so I’ve always seen it is a big game and something to mark on the calendar and that doesn’t change now I’m at City
...Frank Lampard...
“I think they’ll be up and around the top six this season. They may go through a slight transitional period but I was very impressed with their manager when he was at Southampton and if he can bring the same imprint on Tottenham, who arguably have more quality within their squad, they’ll do really well.
“I’m sure their aim is to get into the Champions League, but it won’t be easy and there is a lot of competition and there are a lot of teams all trying to achieve the same goal.”
Lampard admits he is loving his time at City and he says being voted the Etihad Player of the Month for September was an unexpected bonus.
It is yet more validation from the City fans who have clearly taken the former England midfielder him to their hearts.
“If somebody had said I would be voted Player of the Month by the fans in my first full month playing I would have had difficulty believing them,” he smiled.
“To beat James Milner and David Silva is really flattering and especially James, who has had a fantastic start to the season and is someone who doesn’t always get the plaudits he deserves – though I’ve found that’s not the case with City fans who are very appreciative of him and what he brings to the team.
“I think my goals probably edged it but Milly deserves a big shout out as well.”
