Millwall
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Winger Stephen Reid left for Blackburn Rovers over the summer resulting in manager Mark McGhee signing Juan on loan for this position. Juan is an unknown player at this level.
Meanwhile Millwall's squad boast many of the players that faced the Latics in the season when the Lions gained promotion. Tim Cahill, Joe Dolan, Neil Harris, Paul Ifill, Matt Lawrence, David Livermore, Stuart Nethercott, Richard Sadlier and Tony Warner all faced the Latics that season.
Key Opponent: Tim Cahill
Wigan
The big disappointment is that Nathan Ellington looks likely to miss the game tomorrow. Ellington has had close season operations on a shoulder and also a knee injury. He was hoping to make his return in the friendly against Blackburn Rovers, but it seems that he will be fortunate to make a return before the end of August.
The Duke was spotted in the JJB Gym today doing some light exercise with the physio. He also interestingly had a strap around the bottom of his knee, similar in appearance to that which Chelsea new boy Juan Veron is reknowned for.
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de Vos said, "We are not afraid of anything.We always respect the teams we play but we don't fear them. We have a confident bunch of players who believe in each other and in our own ability.
"It's been a frustrating time for the boss trying to bring more players in. If we do get injuries we could face problems.
“We are capable of competing against better players and a lot of the lads have played at a higher level. The trick is doing it week in, week out and we are well aware of what’s required."
Other than Ellington's absence the squad seems to be at full-strength.
Likely Line-up: Filan, Eaden, McMillan, de Vos, Jackson, Teale, McCulloch, Dinning, Bullard, Liddell, Roberts.
Key Man: Jason de Vos
Odds
Millwall Evens
Draw 9/4
Wigan 9/4
Our chances?
Personally I feel we have as good a chance as the home side for nicking a result. We had a very tight defence in division two last season, the tightest in the country in fact, and it is more than likely that this will continue in the upcoming campaign. A goal for either side could be enough to steal all three points. However, I am going to have to go for a 1-1 draw.
Wiganer.net Prediction: Millwall 1 - 1 Wigan
The Ground - Information supplied by
http://www.footballgroundguide.dial.pipex.com/millwall.htm
Ground Name: The Den
Capacity: 20,146 (all seated)
Address: Zampa Road, London SE16 3LN
Main Telephone No: 020-7232-1222
Ticket Office: 020-7231-9999
Fax No: 020-7231-3663
Pitch Size: 105 x 68 yards
Team Nickname: The Lions
Shirt Sponsors: Ryman
Home Kit Colours: Blue & White
Away Kit Colours: Green & White
Official Web Site: Millwallfc.co.uk
The ground is a dramatic improvement from the dank and foreboding 'Old' Den and is quite smart looking. The New Den is made up of four fair sized two tiered stands that are of the same height. The corners of the ground are open, apart from one corner where there is a large video screen. Steve Armstrong informs me; 'the stadium is also used to film the Sky One Channel TV show; Dream Team, which features an imaginary team called Harchester United.
Away fans are located at one end of the ground in the North Stand (usually in the upper tier only). Around 4,000 away fans can be accommodated in this end. Like the general improvement in football, a trip to Millwall is not as threatening as it once was. However, it is hardly a relaxing day out and I found the Den to be quite intimidating. The large police presence at the match I attended did nothing to dampen this feeling. I would advise that you exercise caution around the ground and not to wear club colours. The most popular method of travel for away fans to the Den, is by official club coach. The Police are well drilled in dealing with the coaches and once inside the ground you will generally find the stewards helpful & friendly.
There are number of ways of getting to the ground, but the most straightforward, if not the shortest in distance is to follow the A2 into London from Junction 2 of the M25. The A2 actually passes the ground. Once you go past New Cross Gate tube station on your right the ground is about a mile further on. The only awkward bit is about half way in-between New Cross Gate and the ground where the road splits into two. Keep to the right following the signs A2 City/Westminster. You will come to the ground on your right. Street parking can be found on the small estate on your left just past the ground. There are no sizeable car parks around the ground (typical British Planning!). For a map showing the location of the New Den and the surrounding area click here.
To go to a simplified page, containing the directions and pub info, which you can print out click here.
There are two tube stations that are about 15-20 minutes walk away from the ground. Surrey Quays & New Cross Gate, both on the East London Line.
It is probably best to go by rail as South Bermondsey Railway Station is only a few minutes walk from the ground. I noticed a number of police on the platform before and after the game. This station is served with trains from London Bridge & London Victoria. If your team brings a sizeable following, an 'away fan' football special may be laid on from London Bridge. In these instances the police are well drilled in getting away fans into the ground from the special train and safely away afterwards.
Anything Else?
Millwall manager Mark McGhee has wisely advised the referee to allow players from both sides to take water breaks during the game as temperatures are set to soar.
McGhee commented, "We're only talking about going over to the side, having a quick drink of water and then playing on again. Otherwise it leads to injuries and illness. You've got to be careful.
"Teams are vigilant about hydration now. We don't reduce the intensity in training but we cut it shorter and make they sure they get enough water inside them.
"One of our defenders Darren Ward lost 10lbs in a friendly against Southampton. We need the co-operation of the referee."
Matthew Lovell is a Nutritionist and is advising Millwall on such matters, he said, "To lose 10lbs in a match is getting into danger levels of dehydration.
"If you lose more than 2% of your body weight in fluids your performance is going to start to suffer.
"Three percent and you will definitely see players struggling. They're saying Saturday is going to be the hottest day in history.
"Three per cent is dangerous and could impair performance by up to 10%. Beyond that you are looking at the dangers of heat-stroke with symptoms like dizziness and light-headedness."
Something to laugh about
Millwall fans seem to enjoy taking the Michael about our attendances. A word of warning to those large headed cockney's would be that their average last season was just 8,512. A measly total which will surely be surpassed by the mighty Latics this season, afterall we did manage 7,287 in division Two last year.