Frank Lampard and Derby County will be looking to continue their League Cup fairytale when they meet Chelsea at Stamford Bridge at the end of the month.
The Rams edged past Manchester United at Old Trafford in the previous round and the former Blues legend has been rewarded with a trip to his old stomping ground after beating his former boss, Jose Mourinho.
The Championship side, who are currently just outside the playoffs, have not had a bad start to life under Lampard, although the performances of some individuals have been a major reason as to why they are there.
The likes of Mason Mount and Fikayo Tomori, who are both on loan from Chelsea, have been key to their success so far and the Pride Park boss is determined to see them play against their parent side.
Lampard is hopeful the Blues will give him the permission needed to play them, as they would otherwise be ineligible for the game by the competition’s rules.
Speaking to the London Evening Standard, he said: “It is a conversation to be had and I think it is Chelsea-led because they are their players.
“I am pretty sure it will be Chelsea’s decision.
“I think everyone knows what my decision would be, so it will be up to them.”
The Verdict:
Derby will be hopeful that Chelsea will allow the duo to play against them in the League Cup, although it will probably be unlikely.
The Blues will want to go as far as they can in the competition and having seen Mount and Tomori’s performances for the Rams this season, they will know what sort of threat they could be against them.
It would be great to see the pair on the field against the former side at Stamford Bridge, as it could be considered a valuable aid in their development and give them a chance to taste what playing at home would be like in the future, provided they get an opportunity to do so with Chelsea.
Derby fans – thoughts?
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