The gaffer confirmed in today's press conference that Ayite and Ojo are again out but otherwise everyone is fine. Millwall are well organised and tenacious. Their strategy, epitomised by 'old boy' Shaun Hutchinson, is "they shall not pass". Expect them to play 4-4-2 and not be bothered about possession - they've made about 10,000 fewer passes than us this season. But they do get the ball into the opposition half at every opportunity ... and quickly. A particular strength is in the air, at both ends of the pitch, so as you might imagine set pieces play an important part of their game. Boss Neil Harris will be without defender Byron Webster but doubt if that will bother him too much, since he has good back up. He might miss not having midfielder Ben Thompson available though which brings the possibility of that rogue Ryan Tunnicliffe appearing, although probably only from the bench. Obviously they'll be fighting to stay in the play offs and hang on to two current records - unbeaten in 17 games and not having lost at the Den since November. The danger to us is in the 1st minute of each half (a disproportionate number of their goals have been scored then) when Steve Morison is at his most lethal. For us, as ever it's that vexatious right wing spot which is the only one at issue. Not sure that Piazon will be strong enough (in the physical sense) for the Den. Kebano just seems out of favour all round and Christie didn't do himself any favours last weekend when he came on against Brentford last weekend. So, where does that leave us given that the other contenders Ayite and Ojo are injured? Play safe and plump for Piazon or do something different? 'Different' would be my choice. Let Kamara bulldoze his way into the game - seem to remember he did that quite effectively against Bolton from the right side. Might require a slight adjustment in formation however: ............................Bettinelli..... ..Fredericks....Odoi.....Ream.....Targett.. ...........................McDonald... .......Cairney.....Johansen...Sessegnon.. ..........Kamara...........Mitrovic...
One of the problems with Jokanovic is when he gets a bee in his bonnet about a player that player tends to be dropped, so it's not looking good for Kebano after a sub being subbed, so you might get your wish for Kamara in the absence of Ayite and Ojo, although I guess Christie is an option. Haven't checked it but Andre Marriner may be the Ref tomorrow, which is obviously a Sky TV controlled request to the EFL. (which I don't like). I think Millwall like playing against teams like us, it gives them something to get stuck in too, David & Goliath style, gets the crowd going. Wonder if Jokanovic may just pull a surprise and put Piazon in for Sessegnon to be a 2nd half sub, try and take the sting out of Millwall 1st half. I expect this game to be the toughest yet as Millwall are another in form team on an unbeaten run.
Your run continues SuperBri. It is indeed Andre Marriner who is at the helm tomorrow evening. please log in to view this image We haven't seen the West Midlands Whistler since back in the day and none of those occasions were particularly pleasant. Observers give Marriner credit for letting 'the game flow'. Hard but fair tackles are fine so far as he's concerned, it would seem. What constitutes "fair" is where opinion differs. There's no questioning the fact however, that his approach favours a team who prefers to disrupt, to be physical and 'in your face'. As opposed to a team who likes to hold the ball and be patient in possession. No prizes for guessing which team tomorrow night falls into which of those categories. All of that said, whichever way Marriner floats, I do hope he is sharper than the fumbling, hesitant, out of puff Neil Swarbrick we saw last Saturday. Simply for the record, in his 31 games so far this season Marriner has flashed 83 yellows and 5 reds.
We all know who the stars of our team are,and what sterling performances they have put in, but for me and without them i don't think we will be where we are and that's Target & Ream who week in, and week out give their all, unsung heroes the pair,together with the much improved Betts, (who i have been so critical of in the past ) well done to you all, keep it up lads.
Brilliant, just brilliant ................................................................................................................ and brilliant!
Good "Class" second half performance, outstanding goals and well earned 3 points. No tiredness tonight. Please now Cardiff mess up.
Second half we played like a top 6 team, what a performance! This gives me confidence that even if we don't get the automatic spot we can make it through the playoffs, it seems this team learns from its mistakes and I'd put that on the manager. Slavs got an iconic manager touchline pose already, let's get it put into statue form to recognise what the man has done to turn us around from a joke team to one of the most feared in the league. Here's hoping Cardiff collapse under the pressure and the game ends with Warnock holding the ref in front of him hostage whilst demanding the game be 'f' ing replayed'.
Millwall played well in the first half and it could have been a different game if they'd scored from one of their chances. The defining moment was our goal and from then on we took control. If they get to playoffs though they will be a tough opponent for someone at home and that could be us again. Eyes down this afternoon on Cardiff,
Man Utd shared training with us at Motspur Park over the last few days, ahead of their Cup semi final. Wonder what the Gaffer said to the lads at half time, "Stop playing like United, go out a play like Fulham !" ??