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PREVIEW: ROTHERHAM VS MILLWALL

Millwall travel to The New York Stadium to face Rotherham United on Wednesday evening.

The Lions lost 2-1 against Blackburn Rovers last time out – Jake Cooper scoring what turned out to be a consolation goal fifteen minutes from time.

The Millers were defeated 2-0 at home against Wigan Athletic on the weekend.

The Yorkshire based club are managerless after Paul Warne left for Derby County after six years in charge at Rotherham.

They could have appointed a new manager by the time the two sides meet as Matty Taylor looks set to complete his switch from Exeter City.

But it’s not clear yet if Taylor will be in the dugout on Wednesday evening – he instead may be in the stands.

The South London club are winless away from home this season and their last victory on the road was against Reading back in March.

PREDICTED LINE-UP: Bialkowski, McNamara, Cresswell, Cooper, M.Wallace, Styles, Saville, Mitchell, Flemming, Voglsammer, Afobe.

IMAGE – MILLWALL FC

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REPORT: BLACKBURN ROVERS 2-1 MILLWALL

Millwall’s away day blues continued as they were defeated 2-1 at Ewood Park against Blackburn Rovers.

The Lions were looking for a first win on the road since March – when they beat Reading 1-0 at the Select Car Leasing Stadium – Jake Cooper netting the winner.

The South London club had some good chances in the first half but failed to make any of those materialise into clear cut chances.

After the restart, Millwall were punished, Charlie Cresswell and George Long getting in each other’s way with Tyrese Dolan able to tap in from six yards.

The hosts doubled their lead six minutes later as Ben Brereton Diaz struck home from yards out from a corner.

The Lions gave themselves hope when Jake Cooper headed home Tyler Burey’s teasing delivery.

Zian Flemming had a late chance when Andreas Voglsammer’s delivery came to him but he couldn’t adjust himself in time and hit just over.

Millwall have another chance to get their first win away since March as they travel to the New York Stadium on Wednesday evening to face Rotherham.

IMAGE – INDEPENDENT

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PREVIEW: BLACKBURN ROVERS VS MILLWALL

Millwall travel to Ewood Park on Saturday afternoon to face Blackburn Rovers in the Sky Bet Chanpionship.

The Lions won last time out as they beat Blackpool 2-1 at The Den – Zian Flemming and Benik Afobe with the goals.

Rovers lost 2-0 against Luton Town at Kenilworth Road in their last match before the international break.

Millwall will be boosted with the returns of Shaun Hutchinson and Mason Bennett from their respective injuries.

Ryan Leonard is the only player that is currently out injured for the South London club after the return of the duo.

Last time out Millwall drew 0-0 against Blackburn, with the Lions not having a single effort on goal.

PREDICTED LINE-UP: Bialkowski, McNamara, Cresswell, Cooper, M.Wallace, Styles, Saville, Mitchell, Flemming, Afobe, Bradshaw.

IMAGE – MILLWALL FC

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GARETH SOUTHGATE AND GARY ROWETT: ARE THEY SIMILAR?

BY KIERAN HILL

It is safe to say that England’s Gareth Southgate team have been struggling in recent weeks to put together any kind of form, much like a certain South-east London side, and both Rowett and Southgate have been criticised recently about similar things, such as their tactics, formation and the inability to get the best out of their attacking talents.

In last week’s article I described what I thought Rowett could do to change the poor form, and in this article, I am going to be describing what I feel Southgate could do to change England’s fortune as the World Cup draws closer, with a similar system to what I have suggested for Millwall to use.

In last weeks article, I suggested a 4-3-3 formation for Rowett to use, and in this weeks, I’ll be suggesting a 4-3-3 formation for Southgate to use, with a key player being in the “number 10” role.

The side would look as follows:
Pickford
Walker
Tomori
Stones
Chilwell
Rice
Ward-Prowse
Bellingham
Sterling
Kane
Saka

Whilst I have been extremely impressed with Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale between the sticks for their respective clubs this season, I would personally have Jordan Pickford as our first team goalkeeper, as he never seems to let England down, and has had some exceptional performances for Everton in the early stages of the season.

Even though I have always defended Trent Alexander Arnold as a competent defender, it seems unfair to say that he should start amongst a back four for England in the upcoming World Cup, so I would therefore have Kyle Walker playing in the same role in which he does for Guardiola’s Man City.

Who starts as the two centre halves will be a tough decision for Southgate to make, but with John Stones being a crucial part of the best defence in the Premier League and Fikayo Tomori impressing for AC Milan, they seem like the choices in which would best suit England.

In a back five, Harry Maguire is certainly competent enough to start and play well for England, however his time at Manchester United shows us that he is not good enough to be starting in an English back four.
At left back, I feel like this is one of the areas in which England are at their weakest, with their only being a select few left backs who most England fans will see as good enough to represent the country.

My selection would be Ben Chilwell, as I feel he is the most defensively competent and the best going forward out of the available players for Southgate to choose from.

As the midfield three I would go for James Ward Prowse, Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham, with Ward-Prowse and Rice both taking on similar roles in which they do at their respective clubs, this defensive stability would allow Bellingham to be the creator out of the three, and he will therefore be able to pick out the front three in ways that no other English player could.

The front three is simple: Kane, Saka, Sterling.

With Saka and Sterling playing as inverted forwards attempting to test the keeper and, failing that, feed Kane with as many chances as possible, I see this as the best front three that Southgate has at his disposal.

IMAGE TAKEN FROM THE TELEGRAPH.

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SIDEMEN CHARITY MATCH A HUGE SUCCESS

BY OLLY TOMLIN

Yesterday at the Valley the Sidemen charity match took place between Sidemen FC and The YouTube All-stars. This was full to the brim with TikTokers, YouTubers and podcasters from across the UK and wider world. Straight from kick-off the All-Stars number 7 Ishowspeed aka Speed fouls KSI and celebrates like any American would do if they were playing their version of football.

This set the tone for the rest of the match of Speed as he would use his aggression and raw pace diving into tackles, headers and dribbles. Throughout the first half the All-Stars looked the better side under Mark Goldbridge with their style likened to a Mourinho-esque Inter Milan.

Harry Pinero had likened his style of Pogba however upon watching the game I’d say he’s more of a Vidic player always becoming Sidemens FC worst enemy on their attacks. The Midfield trio of Theo Baker Filly and Noah Beck had Sidemen FCs number and was vital in defending and Goldbridge ball taking the ball up the pitch. Noah Beck specifically took controversial signing Chris MD who used to play for the all stars previously out of the game.

However unfortunately, due to roll on and off subs Chris was able to score when Noah Beck was off the pitch. The all stars also had a good attack, their best attack looking like Niko omilana Chunkz Speed and Castro. Niko was a lethal striker beating the Sidemen FC goalie Pieface with considerable ease. Chunkz when given time and space is more lethal than suicide which the sidemen learnt after the 1st goal where the ball is placed in the top left after some help from Pieface.

The sidemen found themselves 2-0 down within 10 minutes with Goldbridge using the roll off and on subs already he took off Speed and Niko for Deji and Danny Aarons. Although no defence changes were made the All stars looked completely different from the first 10. This is shown as the ball comes into Vikstar123 and he is open and able to put the ball into the bottom left hand corner with the all stars keeper Cal the dragon not able to get a hand to it. After All stars conceded they looked brighter with Castro having 2 chances but missing.

The sidemen at this point bring on manny and JME for MrBeast and Vikstar123. The sidemen were able to find another goal through TBJZL where he is played through on goal and just catches Cal the dragon wrong-footed and is able to get the better of him. After this goal it was end to end football with both teams creating chances but it was All-Stars who would strike first. Filly gets the ball on the edge of the box and is able to shift past one and rocket the ball into the top right hand corner which Pieface could do nothing about.

The equaliser from Simon Minter comes from the right hand side of the pitch where Cal the dragon is caught on the edge of his 6 yard box but miniminter was able to beat the content creator Chris Tyson with speed and it was composed to bring the game to 3-3. The all stars took the lead back through Theo Baker who was able to take on a couple of players and shoot from the edge of the box and it rifles past Pieface. Leading up to halftime the sidemen had the better of the chances but couldn’t find the spark that would ignite them.

Half Time 3-4 All Stars.

Castro, Niko and Chunkz all come on for all stars and Zerkaa, Calfreezy and miniminter all come on for Sidemen FC. The sidemen were chasing the game and the chances came for them. It was in the 49th minute where’d they find the back of the net through TBJZL from a quick free kick and TBJZL is able to take it past a defender and Cal the dragon to tap the ball into the back of the net.

Instant response from All stars through Castro who has a first time shot go in the far right corner and is able to celebrate. He takes off his shirt to reveal to the crowd on his vest that his “mom beat cancer” which would be a precious moment for him and his family. 5-4 to the All stars. Throughout the next 10 or so minutes there were substitutes coming on and off for both sets of fans. Until the controversy which many all stars to be a robbery. Noah beck plays a great ball to speed who is able to put the ball in the back of the net and is off to celebrate like Cristiano Ronaldo with a Sui.

Speed is shown the yellow and then Chunkz hands him the yellow card and chases the referee, Mark Clattenburg, who he then whips. After this the sidemen had the better of the game. Scoring in the 67th minute through miniminter who blasts it past Cal the dragon who tries to kick it away after his best 5 minute spell making save after save. The sidemen then take the lead through Chris MD who shoots to the inside of the post and slots it home to take the lead did Sidemen FC.

In his celebration there is no respect shown for his former team when he kisses the badge in jubilation. The all stars are able to find a leveller through Niko after Chunkz long rage effort is saved by Pieface only for it to fall for Niko who taps it home to make it 6-6. The All stars keep the pressure on Sidemen Fc and are able to take the lead in the game again through WillNE who is able to beat every other player in the box and it slides in for him.

This makes it 6-7 to the All stars. Then in the 81st minute Harry Pinero the vidic like Centre back for the All stars goes off through an injury and this is where the Sidemen FC are able to dominate the game. The Sidemen then got 3 corners in a row where they couldn’t create anything. Luckily for the sidemen they got a counter attack where they were able to find a 3v2 where TBJZL does an outside of the boot cross to find to his brother Manny who is able to head the ball across goal taking Cal the Dragon out of the equation.

Then Sidemen are able to find their 8th from a defensive calamity from Gib who tries to clear the ball but can only clear as far as Miniminter who is then able to find the ball to chip Cal the Dragon from about 40 yards out. That sealed the game for Sidemen and Billy Wingrove’s side.

The players all did a lap of honour to show thanks to the crowd who all came out to watch them play. However, I think it was the crowd who should’ve been clapping the players after a 15 goal thriller. The ceremony did have a sour aftertaste however, due to people trying to break in to the stadium and to pitch invaders during the match they were not able to do the trophy ceremony in front of the crowd.

IMAGE – SIDEMEN

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NON LEAGUE DAY: BROMLEY MAKE IT FIVE WINS ON THE TROT AT HAYES LANE

Bromley beat Oldham Athletic 3-0 at Hayes Lane on Saturday afternoon on Non League Day.

Non League Day is where fans across the country are encouraged to go and watch their local team during the international break.

The Ravens defeated the Latics comfortably to move up to fifth in the National League.

Bromley started the game on the front foot and controlled the early possession and got their rewards when Omar Sowunmi pounced on the ball in the six-yard area and buried his strike into the back of the net.

There were just two minutes left before half time when Jude Arthurs’ excellent work down the right-hand side resulted in a looping cross with Reece Hannam there at the back post to rifle home.

Oldham never really looked like a side who would end the Ravens unbeaten run at Hayes Lane this season and were punished again when Billy Bingham’s corner came off a Latics shirt to give Bromley a third and seal all three points.

Following the win, Woodman told the South London Press: “We were good value for it. I don’t want to be disrespectful to Oldham, in any way shape or form, but we really looked like a team that is dangerous.

“We went about our business really well so I was chuffed to bits. They were going to have a knee-jerk reaction [to having a new manager], it’s too early for David [Unsworth], it’s as hard for him as it is for us to prepare.

“But on the day sometimes they can get the [new manager] bounce and it catches you out – but today my guys were powerful all over the pitch.”

IMAGE – OLDHAM ATHLETIC

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GARETH SOUTHGATE SEES POSITIVE IN ITALY DEFEAT – BUT UNDERSTANDS FANS REACTION TO RELEGATION

Gareth Southgate saw positives in England’s 1-0 defeat against Italy at The San Siro Stadium.

The Three Lions have been relegated from their UEFA Nations League following the result.

But they still have one more match to play with long time rivals Germany visiting Wembley Stadium on Monday and England will be looking to end on a high.

Southgate said: “We had more possession, more shots, more shots on target. For large parts of the game we played very well.

“It’s a spell where ultimately results are going to be the thing that everyone reacts to but I thought there were a lot of positives for us as a team tonight.

“Lots of good individual performances. I personally thought the performance is a step in the right direction. I completely understand because of the result that is not going to be the reaction.

“It’s really difficult to pinpoint why we are not scoring. I think we are getting into the right areas. We had the moments where we would have the pass but we just didn’t deliver that final piece of quality tonight.

“I understand the reaction at the end because that’s the results we have had in this competition. It’s an understandable emotional reaction.

“There will be a huge amount of noise of course but that’s been created from the summer really. I totally understand that.

“The players in the dressing room know that this is a game they could well have won.”

IMAGE – GETTY IMAGES

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MILLWALL UNDER-21’S WIN AGAIN

Millwall Under-21’s made it seven wins on the trot with a 4-1 victory over local rivals Charlton Athletic.

The young Lions have been on fire so far this season with six wins in a row before the South London derby and went one better in that.

It’s the second week in a row Kevin Nugent’s side have won 4-1 – after they beat Watford by the same score line the week before.

The South London club went ahead when Seb Drodz converted Millwall’s 15th minute spot-kick.

However, the Lions were pulled back when the Addicks equalised through Tyreece Campbell just before half-time.

But Millwall turned up the gas in the second half and were back in front soon after the restart when Isaac Olaofe tapped in at the back post.

They got a third when Nino Adom-Malaki pounced on a mistake in the visitors defence to make it more comfortable for the Lions.

It was four soon after when Abdul Abdulmalik once again countered on confusion in the Charlton defence to round off another superb win for Millwall.

Up next for Millwall Under-21’s is a trip to face Reading on Monday, September 26.

They will be looking to continue their winning run in the league and look to stretch that to eight games, eight wins.

IMAGE – MILLWALL FC

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REPORT: MILLWALL 2-1 BLACKPOOL

Millwall beat Blackpool 2-1 at The Den on Saturday afternoon.

The Lions recorded their fourth home victory of the season courtesy of goals from Zian Flemming and Benik Afobe.

The South London club started well and took the lead when Zian Flemming headed home – despite the fact it went down as an own goal – the match referee noted it down as the Lions attacking midfielder’s goal.

But with ten minutes before half-time Millwall’s defence was undone when Charlie Patino hit past George Long to level before the break.

Long – who made his league debut – kept it level when he ushered out the ball that looked set to be pounced on by Jerry Yates just before the break.

Millwall came out with a point to prove in the second half and Flemming nearly added a second when Grimshaw saved from his low strike.

Benik Afobe put the Lions back in front when he smashed home after pinball in the Blackpool area.

Millwall had a chance to add a third when Scott Malone’s effort was saved before Flemming hit just wide.

However, that’s how it stayed and Millwall secured all three points.

IMAGE – MILLWALL FC