Leeds United vs. Millwall FC preview: De Bock comes on to tackle Lions
Leeds will need to be focused if they are to tame an awkward Millwall side.
Saturday’s visitors to Elland Road are Millwall. When these two clubs last met, Leeds were flying to start the season but came unstuck, unable to overcome Millwall’s physical approach. They ultimately lost that encounter 1–0 at the Den.
Since then, Leeds have learnt a lot about themselves and fans have identified aspects that need to be improved upon. The most important aspect? A consistent ball winner who can turn defence into attack with his passing.
This is also obvious to the coaching staff. With Phillips’s disciplinary points nearing suspension level, a more physical game such as this could lead to his suspension. With O’Kane’s red card last weekend and Saiz already banned, the board have acted…
In comes Adam Forshaw from Middlesbrough for a reported £4.5 Million fee, the biggest fee United have paid in over a decade. 26-year-old Forshaw joins on a 4-and-a half-year deal. Claiming the number 4 shirt, he could go straight into the squad for this one. However, a slight injury concern may mean he/we have to wait for his debut.
The former Everton trainee joins after stints with Brentford, Wigan and Middlesbrough where he made 103 appearances — 34 whilst in the premiership.
One new arrival I am hoping will make his debut is the Belgian left back Laurens De Bock. He hasn’t featured for much of the season for his former club and that would be my only concern. But, as a professional footballer, he will have been training hard and if fit, I’d rather see him than Anita in the left back slot.
32000 tickets have been sold for this game and Whites fans will be hoping that United can get back to winning ways against a team who hasn’t won away from home all season.
However, fans have doubts about United’s attacking potency. Perhaps a striker is next on the shopping list?
For Saturday, Roofe has performed better up top than out wide this season and I would personally prefer him to start up front with Alioski and Cibicki out wide and Hernandez in the central playmaker role. Phillips and Vieira (if fit) would be my defensive midfield pairing with De Bock and Berardi as full Backs and of course Cooper and Jansson as centre backs. Wiedwald remains as Christiansen’s first choice number 1.
That line up should have enough to overcome a dogged yet determined Millwall side.
Key battle
If Kemar Roofe is to lead the line against Millwall, he’s sure to come up against 6 ft 1 in former Fulham centre back Shaun Hutchinson.
From 26 appearances, Roofe has scored 6 goals. However, he has created a total of 11 chances with an average 78% pass accuracy. His headed duels stats are not good winning 28% on average.
From 27 appearances, Shaun Hutchinson has scored 1 goal and created 2 chances on offence while winning 65% of headed duels and making on average 11 defensive actions per game. His average tackles per game are 34% won.
Millwall’s Season So Far
Millwall have had an indifferent season to date. They are currently in 16th place in the league on 31 points. Their manager and former player, Neil Harris, has taken them to victory on just 6 occasions scoring a total of 29 goals but conceding 30. As those stats suggest, their results are evenly spread with 9 draws and 9 losses.
Their top scorer is George Saville on 7 and followed by Aiden O’Brien on 5.
Last time out, they drew 1–1 at home v Preston North End.
Injury & Suspensions News
At one point, we were concerned with the number of injuries affecting us. Now, it’s suspensions. Saiz and O’Kane will both miss this one. Ekuban remains on the sidelines, while Vieira and Dallas should both be fit. Ayling is of course out for the season.
For Millwall, Byron Webster is out with a knee injury.
Form
Leeds: W | W | L | D | L
Millwall: L | D | W | L | D
Head-to-Head
At Leeds, there have been 17 meetings, 10 wins to Leeds, 3 to Millwall and 4 games drawn.
WHAT
Leeds United vs. Millwall FC
EFL Championship fixture
#LEEMIL
WHERE
Elland Road, Leeds
LUTV, iFollow, BBC Radio Leeds, International Listings
WHEN
Saturday, 20 January 2018
3:00pm BT
WHO
Leeds United’s predicted starting XI
Wiedwald, De Bock, Jansson, Cooper, Berardi, Phillips, Vieira, Alioski, Hernandez, Roofe, Lasogga
Millwall’s predicted starting XI
Archer, McLaughlin, Meredith, Hutchinson, Williams, Gregory, Wallace, Morrison, O’Brien, Saville, Cooper
ODDS
Leeds 5/4
Millwall 13/5
Draw 9/4
PREDICTION
As stated, Leeds have learnt about themselves and now know how to play against the more physical sides and so should have the edge. I feel Millwall will come for a draw and it is up to us break them down. If Leeds play like we know they can, I can’t see Millwall scoring. 2–0 Leeds.
