Millwall vs Sheffield Wednesday: A Tale of Two Teams Seeking a Win
An increasingly competitive second tier in English football remains an intense and exciting competition, with the prize of a place in the Premier League on offer at the end of the season. Relegation from the top flight last term means Luton, Burnley and Sheffield United are all back in the second tier this term and will be expected to push for play-off spots again at least, but so too will Norwich City, an improving Coventry and beaten play-off finalists Leeds United. At the other end of the table, Wayne Rooney is aiming to revive Plymouth’s fortunes after they narrowly avoided relegation last year, with Portsmouth and Derby the teams promoted from League One along with play-off final winners Oxford.
This Saturday (31), Millwall and Sheffield Wednesday face each other at The Den Stadium, seeking to secure their first win of the season. Millwall are currently 22nd in the table with just one point after three games, while Sheffield Wednesday are 16th with three points.
Key Players to Watch
Both sides will be looking to their key players for inspiration in this crucial clash. For Millwall, Duncan Watmore has been in impressive form, with three goals in three games, while Romain Esse has also shown his potential with one goal and one assist. For Sheffield Wednesday, Jamal Lowe is a dangerman in attack, while Barry Bannan is a creative force in midfield.
Millwall's Struggles
The Lions have had a difficult start to the season, losing their opening two games against Watford and Bristol City before drawing their last game against Hull City. They will be looking to improve their performance at The Den, where they have a strong home record.
Sheffield Wednesday's Mixed Form
Sheffield Wednesday, on the other hand, have been more inconsistent. They won their opening game against Plymouth Argyle 4-0, but then lost their next two games to Sunderland and Leeds. They will be looking to bounce back from their recent defeats and secure a vital three points.
Tactical Approach
Millwall are likely to adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Jake Cooper and Japhet Tanganga returning to their defense. Casper De Norre and George Saville are expected to start in midfield, with Ryan Wintle on loan from Cardiff City adding depth. Up front, Tom Bradshaw is likely to partner with Duncan Watmore, while Romain Esse, George Honeyman, Aidomo Emakhu and Femi Azeez will be vying for places.
Sheffield Wednesday, under manager Xisco Muñoz, will likely employ a 4-3-3 formation. They will be looking to play a more attacking style of football than in their recent defeats. The return of Ike Ugbo and Callum Paterson from their strong performances in the Carabao Cup will provide options in the attack. Barry Bannan and Svante Ingelsson are likely to be paired in midfield.
What the Managers Had to Say
Millwall manager Gary Rowett has expressed his excitement for the game and his belief in his team's ability to secure a win at The Den. He has also stressed the importance of getting the first win of the season and building momentum.
Sheffield Wednesday manager Xisco Muñoz has expressed his disappointment with the team's recent form but remains confident in his players' abilities. He has also said that he is looking forward to a tough but exciting game against Millwall.
Match Prediction
The match is likely to be a close and hard-fought encounter. Both teams have quality in their ranks and will be looking to secure a crucial victory. However, based on their recent performances and home advantage, Millwall are slightly favored.
How to Watch
You can find all the latest scores, goals, and updates plus analysis and reaction throughout the game here on VAVEL US.
Key Moments
- Coburn's Debut Goal: Josh Coburn, who joined Millwall on loan from Middlesbrough on deadline day, scored a brilliant goal in his first appearance for the Lions. It was a great moment for him and a big boost for Millwall.
- Watmore's Brace: Watmore scored two goals in the second half, both from close range, to help secure the victory for Millwall.
- Cooper's Header: Jake Cooper added a third goal for Millwall, heading home a cross from Casper De Norre.
Talking Points
- Coburn's Impact: How easy Josh Coburn settled in. The Middlesbrough loanee looked very comfortable for someone that had only played ten minutes in the Championship this season before today. He did not look out of place. For a taller player, he is very mobile. Now, with Ivanovic through the door as well, Millwall look very well stocked up front. The question will be, when all are fit and firing, who will be the number one choice to fill that role?
- Sheffield Wednesday's Defeats: Why have Sheffield Wednesday been so inconsistent? Despite a strong start to the season, they have lost their last two games and will be looking to avoid further defeats.
Final Thoughts
Millwall's 3-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday was a statement win. They showed their quality and their determination to get their first win of the season. The performance of Josh Coburn on his debut was a major highlight. Sheffield Wednesday, on the other hand, will be looking to bounce back from this defeat and get their season back on track.
The Championship is a tough and unpredictable league. However, with a win like this, Millwall have shown their potential and will be looking to build on this victory in the coming weeks.
