NEIL Harris will pick a strong side for Tuesday night’s EFL Cup fixture against Stevenage at The Den.
Under Harris, Millwall reached the semi-finals of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy in 2015-16 and last season the last eight of the FA Cup after beating three Premier League sides.
And the Millwall boss is looking for another cup run, starting with League Two Boro in tomorrow’s first-round clash.
“I won’t be making 11 changes, no way,” Harris said. “We’ve got a very competitive squad and I’ve got some players who will be itching to prove a point to me. They maybe felt harshly done by being left out at the weekend.
“Some players picked up knocks at the weekend and need resting. We’re coming up against a good Stevenage side, a side that played well against us in pre-season.
“It’ll be a good test, but we want to get off to a good start at home. The mentality and attitude of the players will have to be spot on because otherwise there will be an upset.
“Ultimately it’s an opportunity for people to show their qualities and force their way into my side.
“The last two years, the Checkatrade Trophy, Johnstone’s Paint two years ago when we got to the area final, those games were really key for us. They gave us momentum after defeats in the league.
“We won games going into the international break, which was really crucial. Last year we won three games in the Checkatrade and it gave the opportunity to some fringe players who did really well and forced their way into the team.
“And then obviously there was the FA Cup run that was absolutely brilliant for us. Over the past two years our cup form has been quite exceptional at times.
“It would be nice to have another one of those this year.”
Millwall dominated but could only draw 0-0 at Stevenage in a pre-season friendly last month. This will be the first ever competitive meeting between the clubs.
Former Lions defender Joe Martin could feature for Stevenage, who let a two-goal lead slip to draw 3-3 at home to Newport County in their opening League Two fixture of the season at the weekend.
Possible Millwall team:
4-4-2: Archer; Romeo, Webster, Cooper, Craig; Onyedinma, Thompson, Saville, Ferguson; Elliott, Gregory.
Match odds:
Millwall 1/2 Draw 3/1 Stevenage 5/1
Image: Millwall FC