Two unbeaten teams go head-to-head in the Championship as Millwall host Sheffield Wednesday. Millwall go into this clash buoyed by their Carabao Cup win over West Bromwich Albion as well as their return of four points from their first two league outings. Meanwhile, Wednesday are one of two teams with a 100% record in the Championship so far. Wins over Reading and Barnsley have elevated the Owls to the top of the embryonic Championship table. It may be early days, but the signs have been encouraging for both of these teams.
Millwall v Sheffield Wednesday Preview
Physical Millwall Will Provide a Different Test for Sheffield Wednesday
Neil Harris’ Millwall have a reputation for being one of the most direct teams in the league, and that will be a test for managerless Wednesday. After strikers Steve Morison and Lee Gregory left the Den in the summer, Harris brought in towering forward Matt Smith. The former Leeds man came off the bench at West Brom last weekend, notching a 75th-minute equaliser as the Lions claimed a respectable 1-1 draw. He’ll provide a stern physical test for Wednesday’s two central defenders Tom Lees and Julian Borner, who aren’t the tallest for players in that position.
New signing Connor Mahoney has been instrumental in Millwall’s promising start, providing an assist and making more key passes so far than any of his teammates (seven). The winger will be dangerous in a side that like to get the ball out wide and deliver plenty of crosses into the box. So far, Wednesday have beaten two teams who like to press high and play possession-based football. It’ll be interesting to see how they fare against a team who get the ball forward quicker.
Sheffield Wednesday’s New Style is Refreshing to See
For quite a few years, Wednesday’s main weakness has been a lack of pace. Their main downfall would be that they became too predictable and would build up attacks very slowly. But things can change quickly in football. With the signings of Moses Odubajo, Kadeem Harris and Jacob Murphy, the Owls have players who are capable of turning defence into attack instantly. And this was the key behind the victory over Barnsley, as their best chances came from winning the ball high up the pitch and creating chances quickly. Particularly, Jacob Murphy enjoyed a stellar debut. He opened the scoring with his first touch in Wednesday colours and caused problems with his quick feet and direct running.
With players such as Barry Bannan and Kieran Lee in their ranks, the Owls have always had players who are comfortable in possession. But now they have a weapon that they’ve neglected in previous years – the counter-attack. Caretaker manager Lee Bullen has a squad that should be capable of adapting to different types of games in a long, gruelling Championship season.
Predictions
The away side need to ensure this clash doesn’t turn into a scrappy contest. Wednesday have better players technically, but it’s vital they don’t allow Millwall to be first to every second ball. That, however, is easier said than done and the Den is always a tough place to settle down and play your own game, as Millwall are more than capable of disrupting proceedings. A score draw wouldn’t be a bad result for either side, and it seems the most likely outcome here.
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