Frank Lampard says Everton must relish the task of getting their hands dirty to overcome Burnley in a weighty Premier League clash on Wednesday.

The game at Turf Moor, admits Lampard, is a “big deal”. And the Blues boss reckons he knows what to expect from his opponents on a night when victory for Everton would provide a substantial cushion over the bottom three teams.

Lampard, who has Fabian Delph available after the midfielder recovered from the thigh issue that’s dogged him since mid-December, was at pains to stress he isn’t preparing to encounter a one-dimensional Burnley team.

Instead he is anticipating a home side with “individual qualities” and different avenues of attack.

But Lampard, who is “calm and excited” ahead of the visit to Lancashire, appreciates his players need to match their hosts for physicality and industry to claim three points that would positively alter the complexion of Everton’s season.

“Burnley make it very difficult, they are very physical and tough to play against,” began Lampard, speaking in his pre-match press conference on Tuesday. “They work hard off the ball and have a certain style, which is difficult to combat.

“We have to be up for the basics of the game, in terms of physicality, and do those things [compete and work off ball] right to get the result.

“Solidity is a trademark of Burnley's, they are never easy to beat, they don’t concede many goals and are very effective in what they do.

“But I don’t want to undersell them, they have individual qualities and good individual players. 

“Our mental approach is very important, the game is a big deal.

“We are fighting... To try to stay in the league and with every game that goes, it becomes more intense.

“The mental and physical preparation is key and the squad will be very focused and understanding of what we’re going into.”

Delph has featured in six Premier League games this season, but none since Lampard was appointed on the last day of January.

The 32-year-old’s return is especially timely, with Allan suspended and injuries ruling out Donny van de Beek, Andre Gomes and Tom Davies.

Former Manchester City player Delph’s defensive instincts are especially useful, insisted Lampard, who is also hoping the 78 minutes Dominic Calvert-Lewin played at West Ham United on Sunday – the striker has only once under Lampard spent longer on the pitch – is a precursor for a productive run of form.

“Dominic is in a good place to go again, he’s had a lot of injuries and the day before West Ham was feeling a bit stiff,” said Lampard.

“We have three games in six days and want to manage him right.

“But he is right and ready and looking sharper.

“He is [putting pressure on himself] because he is a top talent, a player who wants to do the best and perform

“He is hungry and has my backing. It is time to stop talking, hopefully, to stay fit and deliver on the pitch.

“Fabian plays a position where we don’t have many options, he’s played a defensive midfield role a lot of his career - and has those attributes and thought processes in terms of playing.

“Trying to keep him fit is crucial for us and he is desperate to get back and help.

“I know his qualities and he is a personality in the squad.”

Lampard insists Everton have plucked a short straw with their glut of fixtures this week. They go to Burnley three days after playing West Ham and face another tight turnaround following the midweek game, with Manchester United due at Goodison for a 12.30pm kick-off on Saturday.

“The bigger picture”, will inform Lampard’s team selection, then. But whoever he chooses to tackle Burnley, the former Chelsea player and boss is convinced his side can manage any nerves around a much-hyped contest.

The players will be helped in that respect by Lampard, owner of a deep well of big-match experience, and a seasoned coaching staff. Among their number is First-Team Coach Paul Clement, who took charge of an apparently dead-and-buried Swansea City midway through 2016/17, before claiming 13 points from the closing five games to complete an improbable Premier League relegation escape.

“We have experience of football and there is huge pressure in any position,” added Lampard.

“Remaining positive and confident is the biggest thing for me to do.

“There is a lot of expectation and dissection of games and results around a club like Everton.

“We are a huge club, with a huge fanbase and huge tradition.

“The most important thing for me is to be the positive one, the one always looking to the next game and focusing on the work; imploring everyone in the Club to be focused and positive about what we are doing.

“I loved as a player being involved in competitive games with a lot on them.

“We have 10 of those and this is the first.

“I am calm and excited and when the game comes, we need absolute belief in ourselves.

“Belief we’ve done everything right and know how we want to approach the game, which the players will, then it is on performance.”