• Champions League

Lampard fears Rooney backlash

ESPN staff
April 6, 2011
Wayne Rooney bagged a hat-trick against West Ham at the weekend © PA Photos
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Frank Lampard fears Chelsea could meet Wayne Rooney at his bristling best on Wednesday after the Manchester United striker was hit with a two-match ban.

Rooney has contested his suspension for using offensive, insulting and/or abusive language and his first appearance since being charged is a Champions League clash with the Blues on Wednesday.

Lampard admits there is never a good time to face his England team-mate but feels Rooney could be ready to take his frustrations out on Chelsea.

"Wayne is always a very competitive player and there is never a good time to be playing against him," Lampard said. "But there's a chance that the ban might spur him on even more. When you get negative headlines like he's had it can make you more of a threat.

"It's not for me to say if I was surprised by the charge. The FA have made their decision and I think United have accepted it.

"But Wayne is a fantastic player and he'll definitely be a threat against us."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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