Rising East’s Joshua Brown believes the Lancashire-based non-league outfit could pull off a giant killing at The Den on Saturday.
As Millwall prepare to host Vanarama North side AFC Fylde in the FA Cup first round on Saturday, I take a look at why I believe the club that sit 66 league positions below the Lions could spring a surprise.
Current form
On paper, you would think this fixture would be an easy one for east London side Millwall, but the visitors, AFC Fylde, come into the match off the back of an October month in which they played five and won five. Not to mention the 18 goals scored and only one conceded.
The in-form minnows currently sit top of the Vanarama National League North after 14 games, with just one loss in their last 10. They’ve notched up a total of 31 goals already in the league, and they hit nine past Coleshill Town in the FA Cup third qualifying round.
Following Millwall’s relegation to League One last season, everyone had expected their attempt at instant return to the Championship to have started better, although they are now without a loss in five.
The Lions seem to have finally got their season started as they look to build on recent form with their defence in particular showing improvement. Millwall shipped 23 goals in their first 16 games, but just two in their previous five.
Manager Neil Harris is very familiar with the FA Cup and will be itching to go on a good run in the competition. The club’s all-time leading scorer started in the 2004 final in which Millwall lost 3-0 to Manchester United.
Last round
AFC Fylde beat Vanarama National side Barrow 1-0 in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round to make the first round draw for the first time in their history. The match between the two rivals was a fierce one and was won thanks to a goal from star man Dion Charles. Although the difference between AFC Fylde and Barrow is only one league, the Coasters will look to emulate the scenario of the underdog winning by beating Millwall on Saturday.
The Lions begin their FA Cup campaign this season at round one, as opposed to last year when they entered at round three and were beaten by Southend.
Key men
AFC Fylde have already scored 50 goals in competitive matches this season – underlining where their strengths lie. The team has five players with five or more goals, which shows the quality throughout the team.
The player to watch for the Coasters is former Blackpool youth player Charles. It’s not even a month since his 20th birthday and Charles – a tricky wide midfielder – has impressed this season. He has managed six league goals in 14 outings, carrying on from last season when he was named the club’s Young Achiever of the Season.
Without a doubt, Millwall’s man to watch is Aiden O’Brien. The 22-year-old Irishman has been in good nick in 2015-16 – notching up six league goals and leading the Lions’ scoring charts. O’Brien had five different loan moves before finally getting his chance with Millwall in League One.
The Irish Under-21 international managed goals in five of his 10 appearances for his country, but has also shown he has more to his game than goals this season with four assists for his club.
Where the game will be won
The game will be tighter than expected; both teams do have goals in them, AFC Fylde especially. Millwall’s defensive improvement has come at the wrong time for the Coasters, but the favourites will have a hard time stopping the prolific Charles.
AFC Fylde may have preferred a home tie due to the support they get at Kellamergh Park, but they will certainly relish the experience and atmosphere that The Den brings.
Lions boss Harris will be making sure his team don’t have a repeat of last season’s early exit and are not one of the victims of a giant killing in this year’s FA Cup.