Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has predicted a welcome reception for Frank Lampard next weekend on his first return to Stamford Bridge since leaving the West London outfit.
The 36-year-old spent 13 years at Stamford Bridge before making an initial short-term move to Premier League champions Manchester City, where he has made a real impact in his brief time at the club
Lampard received a decent response from Blues supporters during the 1-1 draw between the sides in September, when the former England international came off the bench to bag the equaliser, although recent revelations that he will stay at the Etihad Stadium until the end of the campaign may have fractured relations.
Despite this, Mikel is quoted by the Daily Star as saying: "The fans should definitely cheer Frank on. He is a club legend and I think that the fans will welcome him.
"It will be strange to play against him. During the game there is no friendship - but there will be after."
Next Saturday's meeting between the heavyweights is seen as a potential title decider, with a Chelsea victory enough to take them eight points clear at the top of the table.
Daniel Lewis
