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Millwall Preview

By: Richard Hubbert
Date: 16/01/2003

THE Mariners are now back to their bread and butter of division one survival after their 4-0 thumping in midweek against Burnley in the FA Cup. The Mariners will hope to welcome back a few of their more senior players in a bid to make it five division one games unbeaten.

Home > 2002-2003 Season > Previews > Millwall (h)


The Bottom Line

Once again, Town need to maintain the pace at the bottom of the table to avoid slipping back into the relegation zone after a resurgence of form for the bottom five clubs in the last few weeks. Therefore, with it being a home game, anything less than a draw will be disappointing.

The Opposition - Any Good?

Millwall still have most of the players that propelled them up into a Division One play-off spot last season. They can call upon the evergreen Steve Claridge (left) up front, while they have two of the most gifted midfielders in the division in the shape of Republic of Ireland international Steven Reid and Paul Ifill, who scored a wonderful solo goal against Watford last weekend. In midfield, they have the tenacious Dennis Wise who, typically has added steel and resolve to the Millwall midfield.

Recent Form

 

TownMillwall
LBurnley (Cup)(a)0-4
DWimbledon(a)3-3
DBurnley (Cup)(h)2-2 (cup)
DNorwich(h)1-1
WDerby(a)3-1
WCambridge (Cup)(h)3-2
WWatford(h)4-0
DCambridge (Cup)(a)1-1
LIpswich(a)1-4
WRotherham(a)3-1

Players To Watch

 

TownMillwall

Michael Boulding

Steven Reid

All eyes will undoubtedly be on the return of Town hero Michael Boulding who will make his second debut at Blundell Park on Saturday. Although we know that he is not totally match fit, Boulding will undoubtedly be a threat to the Millwall goal with his pace and energy, and will hope to add to the goal he scored last week at Wimbledon.

Republic of Ireland international who made his debut for the Lions in 1998 against Bournemouth. Reid is at home on either the right or left side of midfield, but it is his performances on the left flank that have caught the eye of many admirers, including Mick McCarthy who took Reid to the 2002 World Cup and was involved in three of the Republic’s games. Will be a danger to Town full back John McDermott.

Top Scorers

 

TownMillwall

Kabba 6
Campbell 5
Oster 5
Pouton 4

Claridge 9
Harris 6
Ifill 4
Reid 4

Team News

 

TownMillwall

  • The Mariners will welcome back the familiar faces of Simon Ford, John McDermott and Michael Boulding for the visit of the Lions to Blundell Park.

  • Boulding was ineligible for the Burnley game in midweek so will return upfront to partner Steve Livingstone, whose void in defence will be filled by Simon Ford. This will mean that the unlucky Darren Mansaram and David Soames will drop to the bench.

  • The Mariners are expected to make at least a couple of changed to the side that drew in the Cup against Burnley.

  • Similarly, Wes Parker will be replaced by John McDermott.

  • Elsewhere, Town have no fresh injury worries.
  • Millwall have no new injury problems after their 3-2 victory over Cambridge United. They still have the likes of Neil Harris, Stuart Nethercott and Richard Sadlier out injured.

  • Therefore, they will name an unchanged side for the third time in a row with David Livermore keeping the captain’s armband in midfield in the absence of ex Spurs defender Stuart Nethercott.
  • Probable Starting XI's

     

    TownMillwall
    Danny Coyne
    John McDermott
    Simon Ford
    Steve Chettle
    Tony Gallimore
    Stuart Campbell
    Darren Barnard
    Paul Groves
    Terry Cooke
    Michael Boulding
    Steve Livingstone
    Tony Warner
    Matt Lawrence
    Robbie Ryan
    Darren Ward
    Paul Robinson
    Paul Ifill
    Steven Reid
    David Livermore
    Dennis Wise
    Steve Claridge
    Kevin Braniff

    Subs

     

    TownMillwall
    David Soames
    Darren Mansaram
    Iain Ward
    Chris Bolder
    Sean Allaway (GK)
    Peter Sweeney
    Charley Hearn
    Christophe Kinet
    Alan Dunne
    Willy Gueret (GK)

    Last Time Out

    Town last met Millwall back in August when they lost 2-0. In a 4-5-1 formation, the Mariners struggled to create any clear cut chances and Millwall ran out easy winners, with both their goals coming from veteran Steve Claridge.

    Town Team: Coyne, McDermott, Gallimore, Ford, Chettle (Cooke), Coldicott, Pouton (Jevons), Campbell, Barnard (Robinson), Groves, Kabba.
    Subs (not used): Rowan, Allaway.

    Attendance: 6,667    Report

    Millwall Head-to-Head (24th on The Opposition Ladder).

    Prediction

    Fishy prediction: 3-1 to the Mariners. Reader's POMs

    Directions

    Click on the link for directions to Blundell Park (left).

    Admission Prices

    Click on the link for ticket prices to Blundell Park.




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