‘Nobody needs reminding’ - Frank Lampard makes Everton…

‘Nobody needs reminding’ - Frank Lampard makes Everton fans plea ahead of Merseyside derby

Frank Lampard has acknowledged the huge importance of the Merseyside derby and called on Everton fans to continue their ‘unwavering’ support.

The Toffees host Liverpool at lunchtime still looking for their first win of the season, but a busy summer of business and three consecutive draws has renewed optimism around Goodison Park. To continue that unbeaten run, however, Lampard must work out how to stifle a Liverpool side that have found their form and scored 11 goals in two games.

One of his biggest weapons in last season’s run-in was to harness the emotion and passion from the stands and instil it into his players, and no doubt that support will be as fervent as ever to welcome the red half of Merseyside. And the Blues boss has called on fans to continue pushing every tackle and every run out of his team.

“The Merseyside derby is one of the biggest games in football,” Lampard wrote in his programme notes. “Nobody in our group needs reminding of what this historic fixture means to you, the people of this city and supporters around the world.

“We head into it on the back of consecutive 1-1 draws on the road — against Brentford and Leeds United — a pair of performances full of character and discipline that, on reflection, could and possibly should have returned more in the way of points.

“With that said, they were games that could have easily got away from us last season and I was extremely proud of the battling spirit the team showed to grind out results away from home.

“I keep saying it but it’s important to reiterate just how much of an impact your unwavering support continues to have on what happens on the pitch. Having experienced it on the pitch and in the dugout, it’s impossible not to be affected by the support Evertonians show for their team. It gives you that extra burst of energy when you’re tired, the bravery when momentum swings against you and the desire to go in harder to that tackle.”

Tuesday’s draw at Elland Road saw Lampard revert to a back-four - as much out of necessity, with three senior centre-backs out injured. And the Blues boss has explained his decision to add an extra man in midfield up in West Yorkshire - a decision he has stuck with today.

“Our last match against Leeds United saw us switch formation to a 4-3-3 for a couple of reasons,” The boss added. “Firstly, Mason Holgate becoming the third centre-back to pick up a significant injury this season, but, as well as that, I was keen to get an extra body in midfield. I was very pleased with the way we used that advantage on and off the ball on the night.

“At the end of last season, we played five at the back and it helped us to stay in the Premier League. Now we want to move forward, so we’ll keep looking at it and having the versatility within the group is a good thing for us.”

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