Frank Lampard on facing Steven Gerrard in MLS: 'I look forward to going up against him'

When New York City FC visit the L.A. Galaxy on Aug. 23, it will mark the first-ever Major League Soccer meeting between Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard.

The two prolific midfielders, who could seemingly never play well together for England's national team, will both be crossing the Atlantic Ocean at the end of the Premier League season, with Lampard joining NYCFC from Manchester City and Gerrard heading to the Galaxy from Liverpool.

Of course, the rivalry between the two clubs hasn't had the chance to reach the heights of the '90s West Coast-East Coast rap feud between Bad Boy Records and Death Row Records. However, the presence of the two English midfielders will undoubtedly fuel antagonism, and Lampard appears to have already circled his calendar for the August fixture.

"August 23!" Lampard exclaimed, according to ESPN FC. "A day after my (older) daughter's birthday, so I should know. I think it's great for the league. I have said before, the league is really coming on. People in Europe at the top leagues are talking about it. 

"Players will go there. The league is growing in a very solid way. I know the foundations of it. People like Steven Gerrard, David Villa, Kaka, all these names going over, it is going to help the league.

"I am pleased for Stevie. I think it is a very good move for him. What more can he do for Liverpool? He has had a fantastic career. It helps with the interest here, people seeing it on TV over here now. I look forward to being competitive against Stevie. We get on very well, particularly in our latter years as captain and vice-captain of England. I have a huge amount of respect for him and I look forward to going up against him."

NYCFC and the Galaxy are off to excellent starts this season, as both clubs remain undefeated through their first three matches.