FRANK Lampard wants Coventry City to play with ‘confidence’ and ‘bravery’ when the Sky Blues make the trip to title-chasing Sheffield United tonight.
The Blades sit behind Championship leaders Burnley on goal difference with Coventry three places further back in fifth.
And Lampard admits his side must show they are up for the challenge with the Sky Blues seeking a first win at Bramall Lane in over a decade.
Lampard said: “We have to take the challenge head on and be at our best, considering how tough it will be.
“This is the business part of the season and fortunately we have managed to compete with the form of Sheffield United, Leeds and Burnley since I’ve been in, particularly since the New Year.
“That’s a good thing for us, but it’s a challenge because they’ve been doing it all season, so we have to try and show where we’re at during this moment and understand the importance of the period of games we’re going into and be ready.
“We have to be confident in ourselves and have a clear idea of how we want to approach the game, and we need to be confident and brave in how we play, but also understand the threats that they bring, which we’ve analysed, so we will approach the game as we see fit.”
Tonight’s fixture is live on Sky Sports and ITV4 with the match originally scheduled to take place the following day (Saturday, March 29).
And Lampard admits the decision to move the game to a Friday night will create a different atmosphere and hopes his players will use the kick-off change to their advantage.
Lampard added: “A lot of our games are being moved now, people are wanting to watch us, which is a good thing, but it will add a different energy to the game for sure.
“Bramall Lane is a fantastic atmosphere to go and play in and work in, so we need to try and use that as a positive for us and not wilt under that pressure and that’s key for us.
“Players who come back to play against their old clubs, two very, very good players who performed very well for this club and are performing well for Sheffield United, two quality players.
“They have a lot of experience and Premier League experience. I know Chris (Wilder) well and how he motivates and manages, coaches his teams and they’re difficult to play against for a number of reasons.”
Coventry travel to Sheffield United on Friday, March 28 with kick-off at 8pm at Bramall Lane.
