LONDON - Frank Lampard says Chelsea's dramatic upturn in form has transformed the Premier League title race.
Lampard struck twice in the 2-1 victory over Everton at Goodison Park that moved the Blues back up to third place and ensured they face bottom club Queens Park Rangers at Stamford Bridge today looking for a seventh win in eight games.
And after having dropped off the pace during a disastrous dip in form in November and early December, Lampard believes the club can once again be considered serious contenders.
"We have to keep believing," said the midfielder. "There is a long way to go and things have changed around.
"It can only happen if we win our games but if we go on performing like we have done in the last few league games and keep doing that, it's all we can do.
"We need to keep this form and this attitude."
Lampard's double at Everton highlighted the midfielder's uncertain future with the 34-year-old yet to receive an offer of a new contract despite becoming a free agent at the end of the season.
Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez has steered clear of the debate surrounding Lampard's future and faces a more immediate problem with goalkeeper Petr Cech a doubt for the visit of QPR.
Cech was replaced at half-time against Everton and Benitez said: "He felt something in his adductor so we didn't want to take any risk. We'll have to do a scan and see and this depends on the doctors."
QPR's home defeat to Liverpool left Harry Redknapp's side eight points adrift of safety, although Benitez has cautioned against underestimating Chelsea's near neighbours.
"Obviously they're in a difficult position and that means they will be more dangerous," he said.
"So we have to carry on doing our job and focus on the things that we are doing well and trying to improve the things that we're not.
Chelsea skipper John terry is not expected to recover from a knee injury for tonight's match.
Today's Premier League fixtures:
Stamford Bridge: Chelsea vs QPR (9.45pm), Anfield: Liverpool vs Sunderland (9.45pm) and St James's Park: Newcastle vs Everton (10pm).
Chelsea back in title race
LONDON - Frank Lampard says Chelsea's dramatic upturn in form has transformed the Premier League title race.
Lampard struck twice in the 2-1 victory over Everton at Goodison Park that moved the Blues back up to third place and ensured they face bottom club Queens Park Rangers at Stamford Bridge today looking for a seventh win in eight games.
And after having dropped off the pace during a disastrous dip in form in November and early December, Lampard believes the club can once again be considered serious contenders.
"We have to keep believing," said the midfielder. "There is a long way to go and things have changed around.
"It can only happen if we win our games but if we go on performing like we have done in the last few league games and keep doing that, it's all we can do.
"We need to keep this form and this attitude."
Lampard's double at Everton highlighted the midfielder's uncertain future with the 34-year-old yet to receive an offer of a new contract despite becoming a free agent at the end of the season.
Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez has steered clear of the debate surrounding Lampard's future and faces a more immediate problem with goalkeeper Petr Cech a doubt for the visit of QPR.
Cech was replaced at half-time against Everton and Benitez said: "He felt something in his adductor so we didn't want to take any risk. We'll have to do a scan and see and this depends on the doctors."
QPR's home defeat to Liverpool left Harry Redknapp's side eight points adrift of safety, although Benitez has cautioned against underestimating Chelsea's near neighbours.
"Obviously they're in a difficult position and that means they will be more dangerous," he said.
"So we have to carry on doing our job and focus on the things that we are doing well and trying to improve the things that we're not.
Chelsea skipper John terry is not expected to recover from a knee injury for tonight's match.
Today's Premier League fixtures:
Stamford Bridge: Chelsea vs QPR (9.45pm), Anfield: Liverpool vs Sunderland (9.45pm) and St James's Park: Newcastle vs Everton (10pm).
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