During their playing days, there was a debate about who was better in the middle of the field.
Now the discussion focuses on their managerial ability and the two meet in opposition dugouts for the first time on Saturday as Villa hostEverton in the premier league
Having had their first full pre-seasons at their respective clubs, the spotlight will be firmly on them as they look to make their mark.
Who has the best managerial record so far and who is ready for the upcoming season? The British Broadcasting Corporation's sport shows a look.
After leading Rangers to great success in Scotland, he became the new manager of Villa in the English top flight.
After winning four of his first six league games, the formtailed off as he oversaw just two wins and five losses in their final 10 games.
It was disappointing for Villa to finish 14th despite being clear of the drop.
Chris said it was a bad end to the season.
It was all about getting to the next level when he took over from Dean Smith. They did not do that. There is a lot of pressure on this season.
| Club | Games | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals For | Goals Against | Win % | Points Per Game |
| Aston Villa | 28 | 10 | 5 | 13 | 38 | 36 | 36% | 1.25 |
At the end of January, Lampard joined a side that was low on confidence and trying to avoid a fight for survival.
A run of four wins in their final nine games, including victories against Manchester United, Chelsea and Crystal Palace, kept the club in the top flight.
| Club | Games | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals For | Goals Against | Win % | Points Per Game |
| Chelsea | 57 | 28 | 11 | 18 | 102 | 77 | 49% | 1.67 |
| Everton | 19 | 6 | 2 | 11 | 19 | 32 | 32% | 1.05 |
Even though he came into much tougher circumstances, he still has a 32% win percentage atEverton in the premier league.
His win percentage as a premier league manager is 45% His first managerial role was at Derby County, who finished sixth in the Championship and lost to Villa in the play-offs.
Pat Nevin said that this will be a career defining season for some people.
It's not about how good the manager is, it's about the job and it's difficult to find a good one.
"It is hard to get players to go toEverton, it hurts me as anEvertonian, but if Manchester City are in, then you aren't going to get those players."
Getting the right players in is more important than what he learned at Derby."
"Defining season is an easy headline, but it's a huge one."
Villa secured the Brazilian's permanent signing from Barcelona this summer, after signing him on a permanent basis from the Catalans.
A key player for the club this season will be Coutinho, who scored four goals and gave three assists.
The summer signings include a France international and a Spanish player.
The area to improve over the summer was the defense.
Former Wolves defender Ruben Vinagre has joined on loan from Sporting Lisbon, while ex-Burnley and Wolves centre-back James Tarkowski has joined on a season long loan.
A total of £33m was spent to recruit Amadou Onana from Lille, as well as the arrival of forward Dwight McNeil from the bottom club.
Both teams lost their opening games, with the exception of Bournemouth, who beat Bournemouth.
The defeat by the Cherries raised a few eyebrows, but one of the big talking points was the decision by Steven Gerrard to drop England international Tyrone Mings from the starting XI.
The dressing room at Villa Park may be disrupted by some fear.
"I'm amazed to be honest," former Villa defender Micah Richards said on the radio.
"Mings is very popular in the dressing room and Villa fans seem to like him as well." It's not like he's going to be thrown under the bus.
It was the first time in five years that the Toffees had lost on opening day.
Tarkowski stood out on his debut as the Blues needed a Jorginho penalty to win the game.
The attack looked light.
Without the injured Dominic Calvert-Lewin and the sold Richarlison, Lampard's options were limited. He will probably want to address it before the transfer window closes.
It is too early for the outcome of Saturday's match to give an indication of what type of season the two players will have.
With both having had time to stamp their authority on their clubs, it is likely that this will be an important campaign in determining the future of their managerial careers.
Who do you believe will have the best season? Let us know what you think below.
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