Millwall boss Neil Harris will be hoping his side are quick out the blocks as they look to return to winning ways at Hull City tonight (kick-off, 7:45pm).
A dismal first-half at home to Preston North End on Saturday saw the Lions 3-0 down at the interval, with a hugely frustrated Harris declaring his side simply ‘weren’t at the races and couldn’t get near the ball.’
It was in stark contrast to three days earlier when he had described the midweek win at Derby County as one of ‘the best away performances’ in his time in charge.
The Preston defeat needs to be put right this evening as Millwall look to move away from the relegation zone – and it could lead to a number of changes of personnel with Harris clearly unhappy with the display.
Ben Thompson’s impact from the bench was one of few positives as he netted a consolation goal for the Lions and his battling nature and energy added a much-needed spark in the Lions’ midfield that had been dominated by Alex Neil’s men up to then.
Harris himself described the midfielder as ‘all action’, adding that he was ‘really pleased’ with a player he tips to be a future Lions captain.
Another player who should have a strong claim for a return is Shane Ferguson – unlucky to be dropped from the starting XI after a fine second-half performance at Pride Park, providing the assist for Jed Wallace’s winner against Derby.
With Shaun Hutchinson and Jake Cooper both disappointing against Preston, Alex Pearce could be considered for his first league appearance for Millwall, with his experience having proved vital against AFC Wimbledon in the last round of the FA Cup.
Potential changes could also see a return to 4-3-3 given the success of it against Derby, which would also likely mean Tom Elliott drops back to the bench.
Hull City enter the encounter on the back of a 5-1 humbling at Brentford and Tigers fans will be hoping both Reece Burke and Jordy de Wijs return to the starting line-up after the Griffin Park defeat.
Both sides need to get back to winning ways as both sets of fans will be expecting a reaction so fully expect it to end up honours even.
Prediction: 1-1