What Frank Lampard is expecting from the Nottingham Forest fans at the City Ground
Derby County make the trip across the A52 for tonight's big Championship clash
Steve NicholsonFootball Editor/Chief Football Writer
Derby County boss Frank Lampard (Image: Getty Images)
Frank Lampard is expecting a "strong atmosphere" on his first visit to the City Ground as Derby County manager tonight.
But Lampard says the Rams will look to use the atmosphere to their advantage.
The Championship clash is a sell-out as both teams go in search of valuable points in the race for a top-six finish in the Championship.
"I'm expecting their fans to be fully behind them, and set the tone," said Lampard.
"Our away fans are always fantastic, so it will be one where our players have to rise to that challenge, use the atmosphere in a positive way, even though it will be mainly supporting the other team.
Derby County fans will travel in good numbers again to Forest (Image: Andy Clarke)
"I think it's still something, as a player, you can tap into and use for adrenaline and for getting that extra bit out of yourself.
"We'll try to do that."
The goalless draw between Derby and Forest at Pride Park Stadium in December was watched by a crowd of 31,160.
Lampard has enjoyed the build up to tonight's game.
"I was in the gym on Thursday and all the Derby fans were coming up to me, firstly a little bit upset that we didn't beat Millwall (on Wednesday) but also very much looking forward to the Nottingham Forest game," said Lampard.
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"I felt that in the first game we played against Forest at home. It means a lot to them, rightly so.
"This is what we are in football for, and why we love it so much, the rivalry we grew up with. I would really enjoy getting them the result they would want."