Ahead of Derby's visit to The Den to take on Millwall we caught up with Dan Sexton a reporter for News At Den and creator of Dan's Football World to find out about Millwall and their season so far!
How's Millwall season going? What's the story of the season so far?
This season is already following the same sort of pattern as last season, with Millwall not scoring enough goals when they are on top in games and it comes back to bite us on the bum. It is already costing us games right now as we are now winless in seven games. We need to start Matt Smith more often, get some of our injured players back fit and then hopefully we can begin to climb the table and get into the play-offs, which was our pre-season aim.
The last matchup between the two sides saw Louie Sibley grab a hat-trick. What happened in that game? Was it damaging to Millwall on their playoff push?
Sibley tore us apart and we were unusually weak defensively on that day at The Den. We struggled to get going after that game and I think that was one of a few games I would point at last season as the reason we failed to make the play-offs last season. It was a shame because I feel like with fans in the stadium that day, the outcome would have been different.
Thoughts on Gary Rowett? How is he doing this season? Is he still playing a direct style of football or has his tactics evolved?
Millwall have always been a side known for playing direct football, especially under Neil Harris. To be fair to Rowett, he had us playing a more expansive style of football last season but this season, we have looked more direct again. I think we need to find the right balance between a direct style of play or a fast-flowing passing style when attacking. Being flexible between those systems, especially in games, is what will make us a side challenging at the top of this division.
How is Derby loanee Scott Malone doing?
Malone has been ok in his second spell at the club. When we play our 5-2-3 system, he plays as a left wing-back and that is definitely his strongest position. He has contributed going forward with some goals so far and has been decent enough defensively. He does not usually start when we play 4-4-2 due to some concerns about his defensive ability. We have had an injury crisis recently, so he has also found himself playing on the left-wing recently, but he has looked lost playing there. It will be interesting to see how we line up on Saturday without him.
How is former Ram Mason Bennett settling in following his permanent move to the club?
Sadly, for Mason Bennett, he is struggling to stay fit. He is currently out injured, and I think this game against his former club will come too soon for him. However, we look a much better side with Bennett on the left wing or playing up front alongside Smith. He is a fan favourite at The Den and the deal in the summer suited all parties. If he can shake off his injury problems, we have a player who could match the output and performances of Jed Wallace.
Who are the key men for Millwall?
Our key man is Jed Wallace. One of the best players in this league, his pace and direct running can cause any defender problems. Sadly, his end product is inconsistent and sometimes you just do not know what you will get from him. Our other key player is Ryan Woods, who will control the tempo of our play and can pick pretty much any pass he wants. Also, in goal, Bartosz Białkowski is arguably the best shot stopper in the league and he will be looking for another clean sheet after the defeat to Blackburn on Wednesday.
Jed Wallace. What a player! What makes him so good? How have Millwall managed to keep hold of him?
I just mentioned, Wallace is a gem. I think potentially the effects of the pandemic made it easier for us to keep him over the summer, but I am glad we did, as he is irreplaceable. However, he plays his best when he has Mahlon Romeo playing behind him. Them two, on the right-hand side have a perfect understanding and great energy. On their days, we have the best right side in the league.
Derby are currently bottom of the Championship, what are your thoughts about that?
When I look at Derby’s squad on paper, I do think they are a striker or too light and that has been the main problem for Derby this season. With Chris Martin and Jack Marriott leaving, I was expecting two strikers to replace them, especially due to Martyn Waghorn’s injury struggles. However, only one striker was signed and that was journeyman Colin Kazim-Richards, who has never been prolific in his career. Now he has his first goal, he will be hoping they can start to flow. Also, The Rams have been horrific at defending this season, with 22 goals conceded in 15 games, an average of 1.46 a game. That makes it harder to win games when you concede goals at that rate. I still think you will stay up.
Fans will be at The Den for the first time on Saturday. How excited are you to potentially be headed back there?
Sadly, I won’t be at The Den Saturday as I am living in a Tier 3 area, meaning I cannot leave unless it is for work or education. I will be relying on iFollow for the game and hopefully taking some tactically timed breaks at work!
How do you see the game going? Where is going to be won and lost? What is your score prediction?
With you guys bottom of the league and us winless in seven, the game will not be a classic. It genuinely would not surprise me if it ends 0-0. However, I think the fans could be the difference in this game. We have been sloppy in our last few games and it may only 2,000 Millwall fans, but they will not settle for sloppiness and it will be an unpleasant experience for Derby. I will back Millwall to scrape a 1-0 victory, with the goal likely to come from a set-piece.
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