Millwall v Watford preview

Millwall take on Watford at The Den on Saturday looking to extend their current unbeaten home record.

Millwall boss Kenny Jackett is looking at today's opponents in the Championship as a benchmark for his team when he said this week 'The Watfords, Coventrys and the Readings are the sides that we are aspiring to compete with now and this is another opportunity to do that.'

He said about managing a team against his former side for the first time, 'It will be a bit special leading my team against my hometown club because I have great respect for the people and fans at Watford and still look out for their results. But Millwall is my total focus now, and I'm looking for us to put in another performance full of quality and commitment which will enable us to take the points from a difficult game.'


Watford boss Malky MacKay recalls when he was playing for Norwich in 2001 and faced Millwall at The Den.
His current Assistant Manager, Sean Dyche, was a centre half for the hosts as the two teams met that day.
MacKay recalls: 'They had a decent team that year, I was at Norwich and we played them on the first day of the season and they mauled us.
'It was baking hot and there was a good sized crowd.'
'Millwall had the likes of Tim Cahill, Lucas Neill, Steven Reid and Sean and they were a cracking team.'
'You go to certain clubs and you realise that they've got fans that can make the difference, mostly because of the size of the club' added the Scotsman.
'But it is also about the passion in the fans and I think you can say that with Millwall. There is an intensity to their fans and they love football.
'The atmosphere can be something that players thrive on, I certainly did as a player.
'It made the games much bigger and better.'

Millwall are looking at having the same squad for Saturday as against Reading but are hopeful Liam Trotter will be fit and added to that after his back and groin problems.

Darren Carter has been ruled out until next month with an ankle injury, while Lewis Grabban (wrist) is back in training but is unlikely to feature.

Tamika Mkandawire looks set to continue in midfield.

Fordey has been in spectacular form recently with crucial saves against Nottingham Forest and Reading this past week.

The 30 year old Galway born keeper joined Millwall from Cardiff City in the summer of 2008 and has been a virtual ever present since his arrival.

Watford are still without defender Lloyd Doyley.
The Hornets stalwart is recovering from a calf injury, meaning on-loan Middlesbrough defender Andrew Taylor will continue at left-back.

Danny Graham, who scored in midweek after recovering from an injury will continue upfront.

Marvin Sordell is a Watford youngster who has made a successful step up from the Academy ranks.

Picked out by Kenny Jackett as a player The Lions defence will have to watch, the striker has hit three goals in the last two games for the Hornets, including one in Tuesday's 2-0 win over Bristol City.

Of the 45 games played, Millwall have come away with 22 victories to Watford's 11.

Millwall are unbeaten in their last six home games, winning five of them, and drawing the other one. These high-scoring games have yielded a total of 14 goals for the The Lions, with 4 goals against.

Millwall's last home defeat was against Wycombe on 21 November 2009.

The Lions, who have drawn their last two matches, have not drawn three in a row for five years.

Watford's have an impressive away record this season, with just one defeat in their last six, and picking up four wins.

Malky Mackay's side have conceded three goals in injury time this season - more than any other Championship team.

Sat 25 Mar 2006 Watford 0 - 2 Millwall - Championship, with Carl Asaba and Ben May scoring for The Lions.

Referee: Neil Swarbrick (Lancashire) Assistants: M George and S G Artis Fourth Official S P Rubery

A close game between side's who have excellent form at home and on their travels, Millwall just to shade it. MO Prediction: Millwall 2 Watford 1

Tuesday 21st September
Carling Cup

Millwall v Ipswich Town 19:45

Saturday 25th September
npower Championship

Watford v Middlesbrough 15:00

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