Bad memories revisited

By: Tim | October 23rd, 2009

It’s the one match where everyone sees it and think more about off the pitch action than on. Leeds vs Millwall. At the new den.

Leeds haven’t done particularly well at Millwall, the latest defeat, of a long line, was in the first leg of the play off semi finals last season.

A Neil Harris goal sparked scenes of pandemonium behind Casper Ankergren’s goal, with some spilling onto the pitch and taunting the Danish goalkeeper. Accusations of objects being thrown at him were also made. Safe to say, Leeds are never made to feel welcome, and Millwall never like to be scared of their opponents. On the pitch or in the stands.

But even they must think about who they are facing tomorrow. Leeds are top of the table and unbeaten ( i know i keep saying it, but how often as a Leeds fan do i get to say that!) and after the amazing last minute winner against Norwich at Elland Road on Monday, it must give all at the club a boost.

But Leeds would to be foolish to think it’s a walkover. Millwall have always given a good account of themselves especially at the Den. Write them off at your peril. They haven’t lost and have only conceeded two goals.

Mr Millwall Neil Harris is on good form this season and is a dangerman. 9 goals to his name, a hat trick in the last match against Stockport as part of a 4-0 away win, he has probably been their most consistant performer.

As for Leeds though, 5 wins and one draw away from home means this could be a very tight game.

For Leeds, the defence needs to be on top of Harris, the return of Patrick Kisnorbo will be a huge boost in that sense.

Boss Simon Grayson will have to decide about Norwich MOM Max Gradel. After coming on with ten minutes to go, he ended up winning a beckham-esque man of the match award. Except he probably did deserve it. Is it better to start him and try and get him to change the whole game or use him as a super sub.

Gradel admitted himself that he isn’t fully match fit, so that might make the decision for the manager. But that won’t be a bad thing if it happens.

The same could be said for Sam Vokes, not doubt a quality striker and maybe might start to come into his own from tomorrow with Becchio still injured.

I do honestly fear about this game. I was the same against Noriwch for simple reason of form and confidence. Millwall haven’t been firing on all cylinders since their play off final defeat in May, and without Neil harris, the goals have been few and far between. But my fear stems simply from the venue.

it is an intimidating place and Millwall fans are rightly proud of this. Call them a ‘bogey’ team if you will but its never easy against Millwall. Without trying to sound crass, Leeds will have to be up for the fight.

Brains were needed against Norwich with their technical free flowing midfield. Millwall can play good football, but it’s more of a physical battle. The headband brothers of Maylor and Kisnorbo will be key men in this battle. Leaders from the back. If they can keep Leeds organised and fighting, the victory is there for the taking.

Leeds are back on top but you never wake a sleeping lion, and when you do for god sake don’t tease it and mess around, or it will bite. If Leeds wake the lions and make them angry, they’ve got to deal with them.

And in Neil Harris they have the bravest and scariest up front. Tame him, game won.