Millwall were looking to improve on their mid-table finish last term, but Alex Neil is likely to require a summer of building at The Den.
Millwall have flirted with the play-offs for much of the season so far but a damaging defeat to Bristol City, the dark horses of the Championship, saw them lose 2-0 recently, which was soon followed up by a defeat to the ‘best’ team in the league in Leeds United.
A last-minute winner against Stoke City on Saturday has offered them some hope in the Championship play-off race, but there is plenty of traffic between them and West Bromwich Albion in sixth place in the Championship table.
That said, Millwall have laid down some impressive markers this term, as they have already beaten both Leeds United and Burnley at home. The Den is one of the most intimidating atmospheres in the country historically, and other players have wilted under similar pressure previously.
Photo credit should read IAN KINGTON/AFP via Getty Images
Photo credit should read IAN KINGTON/AFP via Getty Images
Steve Morison criticises Ben Chilwell for Millwall struggle
It’s already known as one of the Championship’s most notoriously tricky away visits, with The Den renowned as one of the most ‘hostile’ grounds in the country, creating a memorable atmosphere for both away teams and their supporters.
The stadium’s compact design and vocal home crowd generate a cauldron-like environment, amplifying every tackle, challenge, and refereeing decision. Fans play an active role, often unsettling opposition players with relentless noise and vocal support for their side.
For teams visiting, breaking Millwall’s robust, physical style of play at home is a daunting challenge, as the Lions thrive off the energy of their fans. That is true of a Millwall side that welcomed Premier League champions Leicester City in 2017 in the FA Cup, where Ben Chilwell struggled.
Speaking in The Sun at the time, former striker Steve Morison explained how the England and Chelsea left-back struggled with the atmosphere. The defender is now on loan at Millwall’s bitter London rivals Crystal Palace but had a difficult day during their 1-0 defeat.
Morison said: “It was a hostile atmosphere and it certainly affected their left-back. He started taking throw-ins but after a couple of bits of verbal from our fans early on he decided he didn’t want to take another one.
“I’m not being funny or anything but he said it was because his fingers were hurting! Really? Come on! We’re playing a game of football.
“You either sink or swim when you come here and Leicester sunk. They came to us down here and we knew if they didn’t want to have a physical battle they would come unstuck because it’s what we do week-in-week-out — I love it.
“We wanted the atmosphere to be hostile. After all, we the players were hostile on the pitch.
“We weren’t knocking Leicester players over and asking afterwards if they were OK and picking them up. We were here to win a football game.”
The FA Cup has seen more drama surrounding Millwall this term, with goalkeeper Liam Roberts banned after a bad challenge on Jean-Phillipe Mateta earlier this season.
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Millwall’s home form has actually held them back this season
Millwall will know they need to take their chances in the games that remain where they can create a low-margin environment, and one goal could be all it takes to settle it. Defensively, Millwall are tough and well-organised under Alex Neil, thriving on allowing opponents to dominate possession.
Under both Neil Harris and Neil, they have been excellent at punishing mistakes and making the most of set-pieces. For the visitors, patience and discipline will likely be crucial to breaking them down, but that has been uncharacteristically easier this season for Championship away sides.
Position Team Played Goal difference Points
13 Norwich City 19 +17 31
14 Preston North End 19 +6 31
15 Millwall 19 +3 28
16 Derby County 19 +6 27
17 QPR 19 +3 27
Championship home form
Even so, if they are to make the top six, then they need to make more of The Den. The pitch itself feels enclosed, making it an ideal fortress for a side comfortable at playing in gritty, high-pressure games, which are usually low-scoring this season.
All of this combines to make The Den a formidable venue ordinarily, where many of the league’s best have left empty-handed already. But their dominance has not translated consistently to teams lower down the league table.