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So where does that leave us? If nothing else, this analysis adds more weight to the argument against Gerrard and Lampard playing together.

It is further supported by former England midfielder Steve Hodge who thinks there are certain games where the pair need to be backed up by a defensive midfielder like Gareth Barry or Owen Hargreaves.

"Certainly you wouldn't play Lampard and Gerrard together in a flat midfield four if you are playing against somebody who is playing a forward in the hole," Hodge said.

"I think if you are playing against a team who pack the midfield with talented footballers, the big boys basically, then you would probably play the pair of them centrally with somebody else."