All eyes on Lampard as Man City take on Chelsea

LONDON: Lampard, who became a talismanic figure at Stamford Bridge before leaving in the close-season after 10 successful years, is in contention for a place in City’s midfield for Sunday’s game despite earlier reports that he had asked not to play.
Chelsea have a 100 per cent record so far this season, with four wins from four, and lead the table with 12 points, five ahead of fifth-placed City.
Both suffered disappointing nights in the Champions League on Wednesday, however, Chelsea drawing at home to Schalke 04 and City losing 1-0 at Bayern Munich.
In between them are three unfancied teams who will be aiming to maintain their surprisingly strong starts to the season.
Aston Villa, regular under-achievers in recent years, are second but face a major test with a visit by Arsenal on Saturday while Swansea City and Southampton, fourth and fifth respectively, meet at the Liberty Stadium, also on Saturday.
Louis van Gaal’s Manchester United, who kick-started their campaign with a 4-0 win over QPR inspired by new signings Angel Di Maria, Ander Herrera and Daley Blind, travel to Leicester City on Sunday.
Lampard, 36, might have presumed he would never have to face his former Chelsea team mates when he signed for New York City in the summer.
But with the new franchise not entering MLS until next year, the midfielder was given the chance to make a quick return to English football with a loan deal to City.
The ex-England international made his competitive debut for the champions last weekend but he was withdrawn by Chilean boss Manuel Pellegrini at half-time after an unimpressive display.
Yaya Toure’s possible return to the City midfield means Lampard might have to settle for a bit-part role as Pellegrini and Mourinho seek to register an early blow in the title race. (Reuters)