The real test of Willie Donachie`s managerial mettle comes after the first defeat of his caretaker reign last week. If we bounce back with a win against Port Vale he will have moved a step closer to landing the job on a permanent basis but another defeat is certain to start the calls for a quick appointment of a new man.
Vital Quotes:
Willie Donachie said: “One of the goals is to never lose two games in a row. Everybody was very disappointed after the Swansea match, but we are determined to start a run again. If you do that in this League anything can happen. Port Vale had extra time and penalties in midweek. That should take a lot out of them emotionally and they then have to travel down here. But they are a strong team and a good team. We will have to play well, start brightly, keep the spirit and the confidence up.”
Martin Foyle said: “I know we can get three points against Millwall and it is important we do so we can try to get back into the play-offs. If we are still thinking about beating Norwich, or the match against Tottenham, then we can come unstuck. This is the level we have week in, week out and it is what our players have to survive in and that is the most important thing. There are a few players that are going to be tired as it was a difficult game against good opposition (Norwich). But with winning the fatigue seems to go very quickly and that confidence starts to take over instead.”
Millwall Team News:
Darren Byfield is back in contention after his ankle injury. Ben May (shoulder) and Jody Morris (knee) are out until around December. Tom Brighton (ankle), Neal Ardley (hernia), Paul Robinson (groin) and Zak Whitbread (hamstring) are also sidelined.
Player to watch: Richard Shaw
The veteran defender looked completely finished as he outpaced by a series of mediocre strikers at the start of the season, but his experience has helped steady a rocky back-line in recent weeks.
Port Vale Team News:
Michael Husbands and Stefan Moore are fighting to replace Akpo Sodje, who started against Norwich in midweek, while midfielder Danny Sonner will be assessed as late as possible after picking up a knock in the same game.
Player to watch: Leon Constantine
The former Lions striker never made the grade at The Den during Mark McGhee`s reign but he has gone on to be a prolific scorer in the lower divisions and will be fired up to make his mark against the club that released him.
Match Facts & Stats
Port Vale have won three of their last five visits to Millwall.
Millwall have won just one of their last six home matches.
Port Vale have won their last two away fixtures.
Ref Watch:
K Hill (Hertfordshire)
Match Prediction:
Millwall 1 Port Vale 1. It`s not hard to imagine this being a really tight battle and it`s essential the Lions stand up and be counted against the kind of team that can trouble anyone in League One on their day.
Next Fixtures:
Bournemouth (h) Tuesday October 31, Football League Trophy second round
Tranmere (a) Friday November 3
