Chelsea will be hoping for a return to winning ways when they host Brighton & Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Kick-off is at 16h00 CAT.
The Blues have lost their last two games in all competitions, going down at home to both Valencia and Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League and English Premier League respectively last week.
Chelsea has entered a transitional period with Chelsea legend Lampard at the helm, and while many fans will be frustrated by the club’s slow start, the former England international is confident that the club’s fans are understanding.
“Chelsea fans are smart in terms of football,” said Lampard.
“The older fans have seen a lot and those from the more modern era have seen a lot with different managers and different styles, but they are certainly now in a position where I think they are really behind us in terms of where we are at.
“Now we have younger players who I think the fans are very ready to be patient with. And they will need to be, but at the same time the rules always remain the same, if you show passion and fight and desire to play for the club, as we showed (against Liverpool), then fans will respect that whether you win, lose or draw.”
Lampard has entrusted more faith in the club’s academy players with the likes of Tammy Abraham, Fikayo Tomori and Mason Mount all catching the eye so far this season.
While a transfer ban and the departure of Eden Hazard almost forced the London club’s hand, it could prove to be beneficial in the long run.
The Seagulls head into the fixture on the back of two goalless draws in the league, having last tasted victory on the opening game of the season.
Brighton sits in 15th place on the log standings, two points behind Chelsea. In head-to-head stats, the two club’s have met in five matches. The Blues have claimed four wins compared to one for the Seagulls.
Chelsea completed a league ‘double’ over Brighton in last season’s league meetings, winning 2-1 on the South Coast of England and 3-0 in the return game in London.