Lamps: Mistakes must end
09 Jan 2009 - 07:38:36
Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has warned his team-mates that a repeat of the defensive errors which have marred recent performances will result in defeat against Manchester United.
The Blues travel to Old Trafford on Sunday for a showdown which could go a long way to deciding the outcome of this year's Premier League title race.
Chelsea are currently second in the table and four points ahead of United, having played two games more than the champions.
However, they arrive in the north west on the back of some indifferent form which has seen then drawn four of their last five games in all competitions.
"The errors have been very frustrating for everyone involved because we do work on them in training anyway," said Lampard.
"Sometimes it has been an individual error or a collective one, but it has been very important because we have dominated the last two games and we lost out on a set-piece in the final minute each time.
"We can't afford to let that happen against a team of Manchester United's calibre."
Chelsea will be boosted by the return from suspension of captain John Terry for the trip to Old Trafford.
Key midfielder Michael Ballack is also available again after serving a one-match ban in last weekend's 1-1 FA Cup draw with Southend United.