Frank Lampard will take charge of Everton for the first time when Brentford visit Goodison Park in the FA Cup fourth round this weekend while West Ham face a tricky tie against non-league Kidderminster.
Manchester United kick-off the round at home to Middlesbrough on Friday and Premier League leaders Manchester City face free-scoring Fulham, top of the Championship, the following day.
AFP Sport takes a look at some of the talking points ahead of the weekend’s action.
‘No illusions’ for Everton’s LampardKeen to restore his reputation after the frustrating end to his time as Chelsea manager, Lampard is ready for the challenge of lifting the gloom at Everton.
Lampard is back in management just over a year after his sacking by Chelsea, but the former England star arrives at Goodison Park with his new club in turmoil after Rafael Benitez’s disastrous reign.
Everton are just four points above the Premier League relegation zone, with their only win in their past six games coming in extra-time at second-tier Hull in the FA Cup.
Furious fans have protested against Everton majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri for his perceived role in the club’s decline.
Lampard needs a quick start in what is shaping up to be the acid test of his managerial skills after a mixed 18-month spell at Chelsea.
“Of course we know we’re in a position the club doesn’t want to be in,” Lampard said ahead of his first game on Saturday.
“I’m under no illusions but I’ve got a lot of belief in the squad.
“Nobody would be happy with the run we’ve been on in terms of points but I have to bring an element of calm to the players.”
