FRANK Lampard warned Leicester City could spring a ‘surprise’ as Coventry City prepare for the second M69 derby meeting of the season.
The Sky Blues head into the clash having won just two of their last eight league matches but remain six points clear at the top of the Championship table.
The first derby meeting ended in a goalless draw back in September as both teams cancelled each other out in a drab affair.
Opponents Leicester find themselves in mid-table with the Foxes failing to win any of their last three games on the road.
However, despite Coventry holding a 15-point advantage over Leicester in the table, Lampard knows the visitors could spring a surprise at the weekend.
Lampard said: “This is the Championship. We study stats, form and data every week. Teams can surprise you at any moment.
“They can change formation, they can play better than they did in the last run of games.
“Leicester are a very dangerous team always when you look at the quality they have individually.
“If we get our game right, I’m not so concerned about what they do. If we don’t, every team would give you a problem.”
Lampard confirmed both Victor Torp and Brandon Thomas-Asante are in contention to return to the side against Leicester.
And Lampard insists his side must not look too far ahead and is demanding absolute focus from his players.
Lampard added: “It was a grind [over the festive period] but it’s all about what is in front of us now.
“I’m not caught up in anything too long-term. It’s about the next game and the next game – it’s as simple as that.
“We’re in a good place from where we all considered we’d be at the start of the season. It’s about positive energy.
“It’s been quite a while since the club has been in this position in the Championship. Absolute focus is key.”
Coventry host Leicester on Saturday, January 17 with kick-off at 12.30pm at the Coventry Building Society Arena.
