Frank Lampard has claimed that he expects Jose Mourinho to rotate his squad for Tottenham’s Europe League clash against Ludogorets on Thursday ahead of their trip to Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
The derby clash at the weekend will be especially significant this time around with both teams seemingly in the conversation about the title race following their impressive starts to the season.
A win for Chelsea could see them leapfrog Spurs at the summit of the Premier League table.
The Mourinho vs Lampard showdown has arguably added more spice to the affair, with the Tottenham boss having an altercation with his former player when the two sides met in the EFL Cup fourth-round clash back in September.
Chelsea’s Champions League clash against Rennes will be played on Tuesday which means that the Blues will have 48 hours more to prepare for the all-important derby.
However, Lampard does not believe it will be too much of an advantage for his side as he expects Mourinho to make several changes for Thursday’s clash.
When asked if he sympathises with Mourinho since Spurs play on Thursday, the Chelsea boss said (via Daily Mail): “Yes, always. I couldn’t sit here and maybe complain.
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“I’m not sure, with the Europa League contenders, in terms of what team José can pick.
“He’s got a very strong squad, he can make rotations, so that remains to be seen. I think they’re in a strong position in their group.
“And then have three days of recovery for Sunday. And Sunday, for both teams, if you’re not going to get up fresh and ready to attack a London derby, then you shouldn’t be in this game, and that goes for both teams.
“So it remains to be seen. José will probably make some rotations for their Europa League game.”
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