LAMPARD: CUP IS AN ACID TEST FOR DERBY

THE League Cup was good for Frank Lampard as a player, and tonight we get a first look at what the competition may hold for him as a manager.

Lampard takes Derby to League Two Oldham, admitting that a ‘banana skin’ awaits if his players do not get a grip of the contest.

Boundary Park under floodlights is a compelling setting for Lampard’s dug-out debut in a competition he won twice with Chelsea. Back in February 2005, it was the first piece of silverware he lifted in football.

A repeat with Derby is implausible, but Lampard wants the opportunity to face Premier League sides later in the Carabao Cup and only by navigating Oldham will that be possible.

‘I’ve watched Oldham and know they will be well-organised, physically good and if we aren’t at it, they can hurt us, without a doubt,’ Lampard said.

‘It’s a potential banana skin and it’s up to us to approach the game with the right attitude and how we play to make sure we get the right result.

‘We know a cup run is good for the club, where it can potentially take us through to play Premier League teams and see where we really are at. The further you can get in it, the better for our confidence. We will give it everything to try and win.’

Lampard will make changes to tired bodies three days after the 4-1 loss to Leeds, who face an allChampionship tie against Bolton at Elland Road after a perfect start to their Championship campaign.

But Bolton boss Phil Parkinson isn’t overly impressed: ‘Leeds couldn’t have done any more,’ he said. ‘They’ve been terrific, but they had a great start last year.’

Of benefit is the rule change for this season that sees extra time abolished. Penalties will be used after a 90-minute drawn game.

The ABBA concept was trialled throughout the 2017-18 season but the traditional spot-kick method will be used this campaign.

Stoke and Swansea have been granted reprieve from entering at round one by virtue of their recent top-flight status.

But West Brom, bottom of the Premier League last season, are in action tonight at home to League One Luton. Darren Moore is expected to rest a number of the players who beat Norwich 4-3 on Saturday.

Only at round two will the 13 Premier League teams not in European competition join in.