Millwall will look to cause another FA Cup upset this Saturday when they host Premier League outfit Sheffield United.
The Lions beat Newport County of League Two in the last round with Matt Smith, Connor Mahoney and Tom Bradshaw all on the scoresheet. The Blades, however, overcame a tricky tie against National League side AFC Fylde thanks to goals from Callum Robinson and Leon Clarke.
Millwall in the Cup
The South-Londoners have a rich history in the competition having made the quarter-finals twice over the course of the last three years, last making the final back in 2004 losing 3-0 to Manchester United.
The Lions have beaten five of the last seven Premier League outfits to visit the hostility of The Den – the second defeat being the loss to Brighton on penalties in the quarter-finals last year – having been 2-0 up and on the fringes of another semi-final appearance.
Do they risk it?
As we reach a critical point in the season, the main question heading into this weekend will be ‘how much Gary Rowett’s in-form team risk in trying to win the game?’
We’ve seen in recent years top Championship teams and Premier League outfits make a whole host of changes for FA Cup ties. Last time out, Sheffield United themselves made 11 changes , but that didn’t matter too much as they still came out as winners.
Millwall have been one of the most consistent outfits in the Championship since Garry Rowett took over, climbing up to seventh in the league and sitting just one-point off the play-off places.
Ahead of the Newport County game in the last round, Rowett admitted that “This club has a brilliant history and tradition in this competition and that is something we’re looking to continue during our time here.”
Considering the small but tight-knit squad the Lions have at their disposal and based on what Rowett has said about the club’s tradition in the FA Cup, I expect him to field a strong team this Saturday.
Sheffield United
I think it’s fair to say that Sheffield United’s main priority this season was to first, stay in the Premier League.
However, given the fantastic job that Chris Wilder and his staff have done, the Blades find themselves sitting in seventh position and 10 points above the relegation zone.
They lost 1-0 last time out in the league against the current Premier League Champions Manchester City, so will want to bounce back to winning ways.
It’s set to be an intriguing encounter in South-Bermondsey this Saturday.
