An in-depth look at Town's next Sky Bet Championship opponent.
- Millwall vs Huddersfield Town
- Saturday 16 December 2023, 3pm kick-off
- Full preview of what to expect from the Lions
Town will aim to get back in the win column when we journey to the nation’s capital on Saturday to take on Millwall at the Den in our latest Sky Bet Championship game of the season.
After a disappointing evening under the floodlights against Preston North End on Tuesday evening, Darren Moore’s men get a quick chance to put things right against Joe Edwards’ side.
The Lions have been a common Championship opponent for the Terriers over recent seasons, with both sides sharing the spoils as victors both at the Den and at the John Smith’s Stadium, and all signs point to another close encounter this weekend.
THE OPPOSITION
Millwall performed well against league leaders Leicester City on Wednesday, but still fell to a 3-2 defeat – their fourth defeat in their last five Sky Bet Championship games.
That means that the Lions have won one game in their last 11 fixtures, which leaves them level on points with us going into Saturday’s game, ahead on goal difference.
THEIR MANAGER
Like Town, Millwall changed their manager earlier this season, with Gary Rowett departing in October after four years in charge at the club, when he had guided the team to top-half finishes in the Championship.
Adam Barrett took caretaker charge for four matches until early November when Joe Edwards (pictured above) was appointed. He has good experience at high levels, taking charge of Chelsea’s youth team before working with their senior side as a coach. He also worked with Frank Lampard at Everton and led England’s Under-20 side before joining Millwall.
Things started well for Edwards, as he won his first ever game as a Head Coach – a 4-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday. However, that has given way to the run of form detailed above.
LAST TIME OUT
Millwall lost 3-2 at league leaders Leicester City on Wednesday evening.
The Lions actually took the lead in the 9th minute when Tom Bradshaw headed home Murray Wallace’s cross, but Leicester turned things around with three second half goals before a late added time consolation from Kevin Nisbet.
Previous Starting XI (3-4-1-2):
Matija Sarkic; Ryan Leonard, Jake Cooper, Wes Harding; Brooke Norton-Cuffy, Allan Campbell, George Saville, Murray Wallace; George Honeyman; Tom Bradshaw, Duncan Watmore
FORMATION
Millwall have switched between a back four and a back three in recent weeks, twice deploying three centre halves – most recently in the midweek defeat at Leicester City.
In whichever shape they choose, they are offered width by their myriad of wide players – right back Brooke Norton-Cuffy in particular playing high up the pitch on their right side.
In central midfield they have options also, with Luton loanee Allan Campbell offering an all-action attacking presence whilst the likes of Billy Mitchell sit to protect the defence.
It has largely been two players up front, with an orthodox striker such as Tom Bradshaw paired with a player in a more roving, free role. Largely that has been Dutchman Zian Flemming, but former Middlesbrough man Duncan Watmore played that role on Wednesday evening.
WHO TO WATCH
Zian Flemming
Flemming in the player to feature in the most Sky Bet Championship minutes for the Lions so far this season, and he’s made good use of his time on the pitch – scoring four times and recording two assists.
Still only 25 years old, he was much sought after by Championship clubs when he decided to depart Dutch side Fortuna Sittard in the summer of 2022. Having progressed through the Ajax Academy, he played for PEC Zwolle before making a name for himself on loan at NEC.
Jake Cooper
Big centre back Cooper missed their weekend defeat at Cardiff City through suspension, but came straight back into the team for the midweek game at Leicester.
Cooper, who has now made over 300 Millwall appearances, has been the club’s regular captain on the pitch this season.
One of the most effective players in the division in aerial challenges, he’s a genuine threat from set pieces.
Murray Wallace
Murray is no stranger to Town fans, having played for the Terriers between 2012 and 2016 having moved to England from his Scottish side Falkirk.
Now 30, Wallace is one of several players who has featured extensively over time for the Lions; he’s now topped 200 appearances. He has played every second since Edwards took charge and scored in his only win so far – the 4-0 win at Sheffield Wednesday.
Although Wallace does play as a left centre half, he has forged his career as a left back since leaving Town.
TOWN TEAM NEWS
Town boss Darren Moore is yet to face the press this week, speaking to the media at the Millers Oils High Performance Complex at 3pm on Thursday 14 December 2023.
Supporters will be able to watch the conference live on HTTV to hear the latest team news as it’s shared.
KIT
The Terriers will sport the acid lime away kit at the Den on Saturday.
Supporters still have plenty of time to get theirs before Christmas, with our Club Shop open each day in the run up to 25 December!
CLICK HERE to browse online.
TICKET NEWS
You can access full ticket information for Saturday’s game at the Den by clicking HERE.
iFOLLOW HTAFC
Due to the traditional Saturday 3pm kick-off time, video match passes for this fixture will not be available in the United Kingdom, but will be purchasable abroad.
Supporters who still want to follow every second of the game can purchase an audio match pass and not miss a second of the game!
CLICK HERE to find out more.
