Lampard wary of ‘dangerous’ Leeds

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard says the attacking intent and pace at which Leeds United play make them “one of the most dangerous teams in the Premier League”.

The long-standing rivals meet at Stamford Bridge on Saturday night and Lampard is expecting a typically passionate performance by a team managed by Marcelo Bielsa.

Chelsea’s only defeat in 15 matches came on penalties against Spurs and they are third in the table on 19 points, nine places and five points ahead of Bielsa’s Leeds.

“They are a very good, very well-managed team,” Lampard added. “They play with incredible energy and speed in their game. I know it will be a competitive match because that is how Leeds approach games.

“It will be a big test for us. If you analyse Leeds and look at the stats they have lots of shots and are scoring goals against top teams.

“They create a lot so will have to be at our absolute best in terms of concentration and the togetherness as we defend. They are one for the most dangerous teams in the league.”

Lampard is also mindful of the quality of Leeds striker Patrick Bamford, who joined Chelsea as a teenager in 2012 when Lampard was still at the club as a player.

Bamford, now 27, has seven goals in ten league appearances this season.

“I remember him well,” Lampard said. “He trained with us quite a lot as a young player when he arrived. Clearly he had great finishing abilities and an eye for goal from the early stages at Chelsea.

“Obviously it didn’t quite work out for him at Chelsea but that is probable more due to the the competition he faced up front.

“He should be proud of the way his career has gone – to make different moves an come back and be one of the leading scorers in the Premier League in a very good Leeds team.

“I like Patrick as a lad. He is playing really well and I am really happy for him.”