Millwall vs Sheffield United – Preview | OneFootball

Sheffield United head down to the Den on Wednesday night to face a Millwall team that has slightly dropped off form in the last few weeks.

After claiming four 1-0 wins in a row, Millwall are now searching for their first win since they defeated Leeds in early November. Three draws, and a recent defeat to Coventry, in their last four games, has seen them fall six points behind the playoffs.

The Blades are eight games unbeaten, thanks to their resilience against West Bromwich Albion where they went a goal down before scoring two goals in a few minutes, only for an unfortunate second half deflection to deny them the victory.

Transfer Business

On paper, the signing of Macaulay Langstaff seemed to be a solid piece of business in the summer given his previous scoring output. However, the former Notts County striker has only managed to net once in 17 games for Millwall, after scoring 28 goals and chipping in with six assists in League Two last term.

The 27-year-old has found it difficult to transition to the Championship as well as a more direct style of play. At Notts County, they played to Langstaff’s strengths and he had creative players around him to feed him in space where he could use his movement and finishing ability to score all types of goals.

One summer signing that has most definitely impressed is Japhet Tanganga. After a successful short-term loan spell at the club last season, Millwall signed him on a permanent basis after he left Tottenham Hotspur in the summer. This campaign, Tanganga has helped Millwall keep seven clean sheets in 15 starts whilst also claiming two goals.

The former England international brings great versatility and aggressiveness to the Millwall back line, given he can play as a right-back in a four, on the right of a three, or comfortably in a centre-back duo.

Team News

Former Sheffield United man Ryan Leonard, who has recently been deployed as a centre-back due to injuries, will miss the game on Wednesday evening after accumulating five bookings this season, resulting in a one-match ban. This could force Neil Harris to be more aggressive in his approach in regards to his selection over injury-riddled Shaun Hutchinson. The experienced defender has been dealing with a hamstring injury.

Even with Japhet Tanganga returning from his suspension, the home side may only have two central defenders to choose from depending on the decision with Hutchinson, given Jake Cooper will not play again until 2025.

Exciting midfielder Romain Esse is a doubt for this game for the hosts having missed the weekend defeat to Coventry City. Additionally, Josh Coburn could miss the game with a foot injury.

Chris Wilder gave Rhian Brewster his first minutes since early November in Sunday’s 2-2 draw with West Bromwich Albion. To add to the positive injury news, Kieffer Moore is also available for selection for the midweek trip to London. Meanwhile, the gaffer mentioned Tyrese Campbell has been nursing a back issue which could mean the striking hot forward could drop to the bench as precaution against Millwall.

LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 07: Femi Azeez of Millwall and Ben Sheaf of Coventry City Football Club during the Sky Bet Championship match between Millwall FC and Coventry City FC at The Den on December 07, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Millwall’s Star Player For This Game

One player that always seems to catch the attention whenever the Blades have played Millwall in the last couple of years is Romain Esse. This season, the pacey winger has scored three times and provided an assist.

Esse ranks exceptionally well in terms of dribbling and take-ons among attacking midfielders and wingers in the Championship this season. He ranks in the 93rd percentile for successful take-ons, 96th percentile for fouls drawn, and 96th percentile for shot-creating actions via a dribble, per Fbref.

However, he is a doubt for this game, which is a huge blow for the home side as his trickery, pace and work rate is a huge asset.

The player that will likely play in his place once more is Femi Azeez. The 23-year-old is very different to Esse despite playing the same position on the right as a left-footed player. Despite not possessing the pace of Esse, Azeez can still carry the ball effectively, ranking in the 85th percentile for both progressive carries and carries into the final third. But, he ranks in the bottom 4% at successful take-ons compared to his positional peers in the Championship.

That being said, Azeez is still a threat because of his eye for a pass and ability to progress the ball.

Sheffield United’s Star Player For This Game

Jesurun Rak-Sakyi can have a big game on his return to London. The on loan Crystal Palace winger has already chipped in with four goals and two assists, and he can add to those numbers given his potential favourable matchup against Joe Bryan.

Rak-Sakyi is one of the trickiest wide players in the Championship, and he ranks in the 94th percentile for successful take-ons. His actual take-on percentage is 52%, which is enough to rank him in the top 7% of his positional peers in the Championship. He also averages over three carries per 90 (98th percentile).

In contrast, the left-back he will likely be facing is Joe Bryan. Whilst the 31-year-old has registered a high volume of dribblers challenged (80th percentile), his success rate in those dribblers challenged only sees him in the bottom quarter of full-backs and wing-backs in the league.

My View

With the recent shocking news that Neil Harris will step down from his managerial position next week, I can’t help but wonder about the motivation levels for the Millwall players.

Whether you rate the direct style of play or not, Harris has had Millwall playing to an unbelievable level given their injury issues. For example, the Lions have averaged 1.44 expected goals per game, the fifth-highest in the league. Many of those chances have been headed opportunities, averaging 3.4 headed shots per game, so Sheffield United will be delighted to welcome back both Harry Souttar and Anel Ahmedhodzic for this one.

While Sheffield United have the technical advantage and pace advantage, they must be prepared for a physical battle. Nobody else in the league plays more forward passes than them, registering an average of 45% forward passes – the next closest is Luton Town at 40.9%.

My Prediction

As mentioned above, the shocking news that Neil Harris will leave the club next week is bound to impact the mood of the dressing room. But given this could be the last time Harris will manage Millwall at the Den, perhaps this will give the players an almighty energy boost as they’ll want to win it for their manager.

I am predicting a high scoring game in which Sheffield United will come out on top. I envisage this being a 3-1 or 4-2 type of game that will be more competitive than the score line suggests.