Opposition View: Millwall (a)
That Millwall Pod give us the rundown of what to expect...
After a pretty disastrous night on Wednesday night probably one of the last places the Albion players would like to be going this weekend is into the Lion’s Den.
Unfortunately a trip to South Bermondsey is on the agenda but Millwall had their own mid-week mare as they were thoroughly tamed at Plymouth.
So how are our opponents feeling ahead of Saturday's fixture, we asked our friends at That Millwall Pod.
Before we get into all the actual football stuff, how was your transfer window?
I really like what we did this window. We brought in eight players all of which are young and exciting. Some of which are not only young but also experienced at this level. Cundle for instance has played over 60 games in the Championship for multiple teams and is still only 22 We broke our transfer record for Cameil Neghli and he’s played in the Ereredevise for Rotterdam so I really like what we’ve done. We addressed our creativity needs and not only addressed them now but the future too. 8.5/10 for me, I would have liked a RB with Lenny missing and Danny Mac done for the year.
We’ve both had a pretty awful mid-week, how are you feeling ahead of the weekend?
Quick turnaround is all I can say to that. Games come thick and fast so it’s a chance to quickly forget Wednesday. The less said about it the better, the only positive is Alex Neil addressed it in his comments and we can look to bounce back. Same for you, I’m sure.
You’re 7 points off the top 6, 11 points off the drop zone at present - are you looking up or down the table?
I don’t think we’re looking in any particular direction to be honest. The goal was always to stay up which I feel we are there now as long as we get maybe two more wins so we just want to end on as much of a high as we can and we still have the FA cup too so. One game at a time, no goals set.
What did you make of the game earlier in the season, not exactly a thriller was it?
No, it wasn’t a lot of huffing and puffing without blowing the house down from WBA and a very good defensive display from us without causing you any issues. I expect, with both teams under new management and new personnel it’ll be different this time around. Good point for us though that was!
Thoughts on Alex Neil?
Love him! He gets the club and that’s a massive deal at Millwall, we are one of the few old school football clubs around. He just gets us as he understands what’s acceptable here and what’s not going to wash and he’s a seasoned, experienced and, more to the point, successful manager at this level. He’s won multiple promotions and he’s done it with experienced squads and youth, teams with large budgets and small. I really like the versatility he brings and his ability to adapt to his surroundings. He’s honest in his interviews and he’s meticulous in his prep and the players seem to be buying in, he’s on the same page with the board and the fans are on board too!
Has he changed much from what Neil Harris was doing?
He hasn’t changed too much, he’s kept the defensive stability we’re known for. We’re structured well and we don’t get hammered ( with the exception of Wednesday) so we’re hard to beat. He’s kept those principles while also adding quality in our build up and getting us more comfortable on the ball. Harris was happy to shut up shop and hit teams on the counter and use set pieces whereas Neil is methodical and he wants us to dictate the play.
Any injuries or suspensions ahead of the weekend?
Other than the long terms there shouldn’t be much change for the squad. Coburn could be back which will alleviate the pressure on Ivanovic up top and give us a target option but other than that the same squad members are available but I expect changes!
Who is your most important player?
Japhet Tanganga is the most important player, he’s arguably the best CB in the division and until Wednesday he hadn’t conceded more than 2 in a game since 2023. He’s unbelievably calm on the ball and deals with almost everything. He makes us tick at the back and we feed off that. Also Casper De Norre in midfield has been extremely impressive of late and is top 3 in the entire EFL for interceptions. If he’s on his game, he gives the rest of the squad the freedom to get about and play.
What is your weak point?
Right-back I feel is our weak point. We brought in Tristan Crama who was on loan at Exeter as a CB and we’re playing him at RB. He had performed well there but Wednesday really exposed his limitations of playing there, something I’m sure Mowbray will exploit.
What do you predict your formation and starting XI to be at the weekend?
What I think is different to what we may go with as I would make a couple changes, but I think Neil will go with a 4231 Jensen. Crama Tanganga Cooper Bryan, Casper Savile Neghli Cundle Azeez Ivanovic.
What are your thoughts on Albion at present?
Steady. Not setting the world on fire but will be there about and with the addition of Mowbray who I believe is a top 3/4 EFL manager of all time he’ll add the extras to make you more of a threat.
What is your score prediction for the weekend?
We normally do quite well after a defeat and playing at home the response will be needed. We’re unbeaten in 7 against you and the only 2 wins in that both came at home so I’m going to say a 2-0 Millwall win (no bias honest).
Written by:
Chris Hall
@CJHall83
Sounds like a pefect time to have Johnston and Grant doing damage down the left.