Derby County vs Wigan Athletic - Lampard adamant Derby are not in crisis

Frank Lampard insists there is no “crisis” at Derby despite their recent run of results.

The Rams have lost their last three Championship games and have won just one of their last six league fixtures.

However, Lampard’s team are still seventh in the table and just three points off a play-off spot ahead of four consecutive home games, beginning with Wigan on Tuesday night.

“It’s a challenge – but three losses and being three points away from the play-offs is no crisis,” said the Derby boss at his pre-match press conference.

“We have to have context, while knowing only we can affect it – to get the performances and results we want.

“Home games are great, and four in a row looks good on paper but we will need the help of the fans. Of course, it starts with us but we need strong support behind us.”

Richard Keogh is in line to make his 600th career appearance against Wigan and Lampard saluted the defender’s achievement.

“Anyone who can amass that amount of games at this level deserves a huge amount of respect,” he said. “I’ve found him to be an incredible professional, and very hard-working.

“He’s a fantastic player and has been one of our top performers this season, without a doubt.”

Paul Cook’s Wigan travel to Derby unbeaten in their last five matches in the Championship.

The Latics also have options ahead of Tuesday’s game with Nick Powell making a return to the squad after missing the 0-0 draw against Middlesbrough on Saturday.

Winger Kal Naismith told the club website: “We have definitely got a good bit of momentum and we have not tasted defeat in a while, which is always good.

“We are coming into the games when we arrive at the ground not thinking about defeat one bit but more about building momentum and that is 100% a good thing.”

Cook made two changes to the side ahead of Saturday’s game, with Nathan Byrne and Cedric Kipre replacing Michael Jacobs and Anthony Pilkington, but could change things up again against Derby.

Wigan are looking for only their second away win of the season and their first in the league since August 2018, in a bid to pull further away from the relegation zone.