Match Preview - Millwall (Away)

After a promising season in Division One in 2001-2002, which saw 'The Lions' finish in 4th place in their first season back in division one, they struggled to make their mark in their second season.

Last season opened with a wimper with Rotherham thrashing them 6-1 on the first day. They didn't managed a win in any of their first five games with just 2 draws and 3 loss'. Despite wins over Grimsby and Brighton their poor form wasn't behind them and 14 games in just 3 wins and 4 draws were recorded for Millwall, and they were knocked out of the League Cup by Rushden & Diamonds.

The loss of Richard Sadlier and Tom Cahill through long term injuries had hit Millwall badly. Mark McGhee's job was under threat but good things come to those who wait.

Despite being 16th with 10 games to go they were well clear of relegation danger and after a draw against Burnley things started to look up. A win at Walsall was followed by two defeats from Norwich and Wimbledon but a Sheff Wednesday win did get the ball rolling with 7-8 games left.

Six wins and one draw in their last 8 games propelled them from 16th to finish 9th and just 8 points off the play offs. The end of the season saw the end of Steve Claridge in league football as he left to start his management career in Weymouth but Millwall were planning big things for this season.

The highly rated midfielder Steven Reid was sold to Blackburn for £2million and gave manager Mark McGhee some money to play around with. One player on his list, to replace Claridge, was Rob Hulse. In the summer Crewe accepted a £750k+£250k bid from Millwall and Hulse looked around the facilities but decided against a move down south.

'The Lions' also offered Teddy Sheringham a contract but he also rejected and move onto Portsmouth. In the end Millwall did sign a striker, or two. Experienced Noel Whelan signed up the week before the new season and this week Millwall completed the signing of Bob Peeters for a hefty £500k.

So far this season Millwall have looked good. Sitting in 2nd they brushed aside Wigan on the first day with a 2-0 win and Sunderland on Saturday with the single goal. they have however slipped up against Oxford in the Carling Cup 1-0.

Both Whelan and Peeters should start tomorrow. Now from the back. Tony Warner is in goals, the Liverpool trainee was on trial at the Alex back in May ish 1999. In defence will see Lawrence, Cahill, Ryan and Nethercott. Darren Ward, andy Roberts, Dennis Wise and Neil Harris make up the midfield with Whelan and Peeters upfront.

For the Alex it's been a good week. Still confident coming off the brilliant 1-0 victory over Ipswich the week has also seen the signing of left back Anthony Tonkin for £200k. Tonkinthough won't be signing just yet, until Monday, and isn't quite match fit so he will not play a part in Saturdays Game. David Vaughan has though made a good recovery from a hamstring strain. Expected line up

Ince; Wright, Foster, Moses, Vaughan; Lunt, Brammer, Cochrane, Rix; Ashton & Jones.

COME ON!!!!!!!!