Millwall and Walsall do battle at the New Den this Saturday with the prospect that whoever wins this game could could find themselves in the top six by five o'clock depending on how results go. Both teams lost last Saturday with the Lionslosing 0-3 at Hartlepool and the Saddlers no match for Southampton, going down 1-3 at Bescot. The hosts are 10th in League 1 with 28 points and Walsall 8th with 29 points. Millwall got back to winning ways in midweek with a 4-0 FA Cup win over Staines.
Walsall's returning from injury players Richard Taundry and Jamie Vincent continued their progress from lay offs with action in the reserve match against Burton Albion and could figure at Millwall however the main talking point in the Walsall camp is who will replace the suspended Troy Deeney? This could give a start to Sam Parkin who is itching to get a game to kick start his Walsall career or young Alex Nicholls who likewise can't get a start. Parkin actually made his league debut for Millwall in 2000 whilst a youngster at Chelsea, scoring four goals in 7 games. Another forward returning to one of his former clubs is Darren Byfield who scored 15 goals in 31 games for Millwall.
Millwall manager Kenny Jacket is fighting the effects of a flu bug. Assistant manager Joe Gallentook charge for the Staines game. Darren Ward was dropped for the cup game and Jack Smith found the net so it will be interesting to see who gets the shirt this time round. Millwall are struggling with injuries at the moment. Neil Harris may be forced to miss this game with groin trouble. Chris Hackett (knee) and James Henry (hamstring) are out and there are also doubts about Gary Alexander (ankle) , Tony Craig (cheekbone), Zac Whitbread (calf) and Pat O' Connor (cruciate). However wide man Dave Martin is due to return.
Walsall are unbeaten in their last three away league games thanks to wins at Wycombe and Yeovil and a draw at Brentford. Millwall had a recent shock 0-2 reverse against Wycombe but have won games against MKDons, Colchester,Leeds and Tranmere in the last few weeks. Historically, Millwall have had the better record than Walsall in meetings between the two sides. They have won 23 games there compared to Walsall's 8 victories with 6 draws. Overall in 72 matches between the sides Millwall have won 35 with 19 wins for Walsall and 18 draws. Tickets for the away stand are £20.
For information on previous encounters and stats between the sides visit http://www.walsall-mad.co.uk/footydb/loadhed.asp