MILLWALL return to The Den for the first time since mid-September as they welcome Middlesbrough to South Bermondsey.
Boro opted to sack manager Chris Wilder on Monday after a disastrous start to the campaign, with Leo Percovich taking over until a new permanent replacement can be found. Despite this, they were able to beat Birmingham City on Wednesday evening and sit just one point behind the Lions.
We spoke to Middlesbrough fan Dex Roberts to get the lowdown on tomorrow’s visitors.
1. What was last season like for Middlesbrough?
It all started off disappointingly under Neil Warnock, feeling like we’d be stuck in mid-table all season, we were pretty limited. Then when Chris Wilder came in he completely transformed the club, from November to April was the most enjoyable time I’ve had as a Boro fan since our promotion season. We did fall off slightly, but largely positive, with some brilliant memories including FA Cup victories at Old Trafford and at home to Spurs.
2. Who were been the key signings and departures over the summer?
We made 11 signings so I’ll attempt to narrow it down to four “key” ones: Giles (LWB) (loan from Wolves). Steffen (GK) (loan from Man City). Clarke (CB) (£2.25m from Brighton). Muniz (ST) (loan from Fulham). Departures: Tavernier (CM) (£12m) (to Bournemouth). Spence (£12.5m) (to Spurs).
3. How’s the start of your competitive campaign been?
Horrendous, I’d say that’s a fair summary compared to our lofty expectations pre-season. In the first five / six games of the season I’d say luck was not on ours side at all. Since then, performances have followed results and got worse. If you believe in this stuff, the xG table has us fourth; so I’d say results perhaps don’t align exactly with the performance level, whilst I accept we definitely don’t deserve to be as high as fourth.
4. What’s the mood and expectation for the rest of the season?
Down from pre-season for sure. But with the time left in the campaign, the tight nature of the league and the naturally high expectations we have; top six remains the ultimate aim.
5. Middlesbrough opted to sack Chris Wilder on Monday morning after a poor start to the season – what did you make of the decision and who’d you like to see come in?
I think he did have to go. If rumours are to be believed then he was touting himself for other jobs, and since those rumours, we’ve gone from promotion form to relegation form; something had to give. Rob Edwards has been strongly linked, and I’d be pretty happy with that. I’d also like Kieran McKenna from Ipswich. Essentially, a young manager who plays progressive, attacking football.
6. What can Millwall fans expect from Middlesbrough on Saturday?
It’s very tough to say, not knowing if it’ll be Leo Percovich in temporary charge still, or a new manager. A rough summary of Boro this season is a team that have the ability to create chances and play good football, but also the ability to make silly mistakes and lose confidence.
7. What are your thoughts on Millwall?
Solid at home, poor away, sounds about right doesn’t it? Millwall fit the “tough place to go” cliche like a glove when they play the fast, attacking football they have the ability to do. I’d expect another solid mid-table finish from them this year, which I think is another good year, particularly after losing Jed Wallace.
8. Which Middlesbrough player should Millwall fans be most worried about?
Ryan Giles. Best crosser of the ball in the division, if he’s given time and space to put balls in from the left hand side, his deliveries can’t be defended against; it’s just whether there’s someone there to take the chances…
9. Which Millwall player are you most concerned about ahead of the game?
This is a tough one without the presence of Jed Wallace. I’ll say Jake Cooper, always worried about him from set-pieces, and I don’t think we have a particularly strong team physically.
10. Predicted lineup & score prediction?
3-5-2: Steffen; Dijksteel, Lenihan, Clarke; Jones, Crooks, Howson, McGree, Giles; Muniz, Forss
I’ll say 1-1, I’d take a draw given our away form, and I back us to get a point, possibly under a new manager.