Lampard Relishing FA Cup Chance

Frank Lampard says Derby County “love the FA Cup” as he plots an upset when taking his side to Southampton for Wednesday’s third round replay (Southampton 8/11, Derby 19/5, draw 14/5).

The Rams, who are sixth in the Championship, held Saints to a 2-2 draw in the first game when they came back from 2-0 down at Pride Park.

The replay provides Lampard with a chance of claiming a Premier League scalp and he admits it is a competition he and the club are taking seriously.

The former Chelsea midfielder won the FA Cup four times as a player and even though it now seems to be down the list of priorities for some managers, Lampard knows how much it means, especially for the fans.

He said: “It’s important for us. We love the FA Cup, and the fans do, too. It’s another opportunity for the players to show what they can do against a good Premier League team.”

On-loan midfielder Harry Wilson could be back in contention for the Rams after recovering from a hip problem that has kept him out for the last two games, but Curtis Davies, Craig Forsyth and Marcus Olsson are all on the absentee list.

Lampard is set to make changes to freshen up his side with David Nugent, Jayden Bogle, Kelle Roos and Tom Huddlestone among those vying for recalls (Nugent 12/5 – To Score Anytime).

Southampton have selection problems ahead of the game as Charlie Austin, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Yan Valery are all suspended, while Ryan Bertrand, Danny Ings and Michael Obafemi are injured, Maya Yoshida is away with Japan at the Asia Cup, and Mario Lemina is doubtful.

Odds subject to change