The Johnstone`s Paint Trophy might be regarded as little more than an inconvenient waste of time by most clubs but the Lions` appearance in the 1999 final marked the birth of a young side that would go on to take the club to unprecedented success. So tonight`s match against Bournemouth should be seen as a chance not only to continue our improved form under Donachie, but also an opportunity to get back to a final and maybe even win this time.
Vital Quotes:
Willie Donachie said: “What this game does is provide a number of our senior players who are desperate to get into the team a chance to prove a point to the fans and to me. We have to name six of the 11 players who have played the most games for us this season anyway, but I can think of another four in particular who when they are fully fit and firing, would be in contention for the first team again. I understand why some people might question whether we need another competition in addition to 46 League games, plus the FA Cup and Carling Cup. But on the other hand, it gives all the teams at this level a realistic chance of reaching a prestigious Cup final, so we’ll be treating it very seriously.”
Millwall Team News:
Donachie has already named the team and it is: Pidgeley, Senda, Bakayogo, Grant, Craig, Shaw, Hackett, Mawene, Williams, Zebroski, Morais. Subs: Day, Whitbread, Robinson, May. Ben May is on the bench after recovering from a shoulder injury that has kept him out for most of the season. Jody Morris (knee), Tom Brighton (ankle) and Neal Ardley (hernia) are long-term absentees.
Player to watch: Filipe Morais
The Portuguese winger has undoubtedly got plenty of skill but he has struggled to use it to much effect so far. This is an ideal opportunity for him to prove he`s not the lightweight he has often looked.
Bournemouth Team News:
On-loan Southampton striker Leon Best could replace Steve Fletcher, who is struggling with a hamstring problem. Neil Young (calf) is a doubt and fellow defenders Eddie Howe, Karl Broadhurst and Shaun Cooper are still missing with knee problems.
Player to watch: James Hayter
He was touted for a move to several Championship clubs, including Millwall, last season but stayed at Dean Court and has struggled this year, scoring just once in his last 10 appearances.
Match Facts & Stats
Millwall have won four of the last five meetings between the clubs.
Millwall have won just one of their last seven home matches and that was against Bournemouth (1-0).
Bournemouth are without a win in their last nine matches. They have yet to win since Kevin Bond took over three matches ago.
Ref Watch:
Andy Woolmer (Northamptonshire)
Match Prediction:
Millwall 1 Bournemouth 2. The Cherries haven`t won for months and we`ve already beaten them once, so we should be favourites. However, things are never that simple down at The Den.
Next Fixtures:
Tranmere (a) Friday November 3
Havant and Waterloo Ville (a) November 11/12/13, FA Cup first round
