Redknapp wants Lampard dropped

Harry Redknapp admits he would be happy if Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas left Frank Lampard on the bench at Tottenham.

Tottenham boss hoping to avoid a family affair at White Hart Lane

Harry Redknapp admits he would be happy if Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas left his nephew Frank Lampard on the bench at Tottenham on Thursday night. Lampard, an automatic choice in the Chelsea midfield in recent years, now faces increased competition for a place in their starting XI. The 33-year-old was left on the bench against leaders Manchester City earlier this month, although he did come on and score the winner from the spot. And Redknapp is hoping he misses out again out when the two sides clash at White Hart Lane on Thursday evening. "I hope he doesn't play," said Redknapp. "I'd be quite happy about that. I'd be sorry for Frank if he didn't play but from our point of view I'd be happy for him not to. "He's a fantastic player - a goalscorer, a top player. Look at his record. He has scored nearly 20 goals every season, which is incredible for a midfielder, so if he's not on the team sheet I wouldn't be too disappointed."