Millwall host Huddersfield Town on the final day of the Championship this Wednesday.
It’s been a rollercoaster week for Terriers supporters – despite beating second placed West Bromwich Albion last Friday to theoretically secure the clubs safety in the division, the Yorkshire side decided it was best to part ways with manager Danny Cowley.
A sacking which was met with puzzled looks across the footballing world has left Huddersfield without a manager for their final game of the season. This subsequently means academy coach Danny Schofield will manage the Terriers in a one-off occasion.
For Millwall, this game is nothing more than an opportunity to restore some pride following a failed attempt to challenge for a play-off position since the restart.
Form:
The Lions have had an inconsistent run of form since the return of the Championship, winning and losing three of the eight games played. Recent results have looked slightly better winning two of the last three games, but a disappointing 4-3 loss at Loftus Road last Saturday will remain fresh in Millwall’s mind.
Huddersfield’s recent results have been worse however, earning just nine points from a possible 24 since the restart. Although their form may not be enviable, their last game is as a win against West Brom is a rare occurrence in the Championship.
Previous clashes:
Historically, it’s the Terriers who have the edge in this fixture, winning 46% of the 48 meetings between the clubs.
Huddersfield have also only dropped two points in the six meetings the sides have played since 2013, winning five out of six games. That draw did occur this season however, as the reverse fixture finished 1-1 at The John Smith’s Stadium.
Players to watch:
Matt Smith has been immense for the Lions this season, scoring 14 goals in 22 appearances. The 31-year-old striker has been a massive asset since signing last July and is subsequently Millwall’s top scorer this season.
Huddersfield may hope that young talent Emile Smith Rowe can build on his winning goal last Saturday. The Arsenal loanee has made 18 appearances for the Terriers this season, scoring two goals in the process.
Although, that isn’t the most impressive return, it’s clear Smith Rowe has talent in abundance; pair that with his gained confidence from his performance against West Brom, and it may spell danger for Millwall.
What the managers have said:
Millwall manager Gary Rowett has insisted that the Lions “want to finish the season strongly” and therefore, won’t just be handing appearances to young players according to News At Den:
”We want to treat the last game as any other, we want to go out and win it. If that gives some player opportunities because I think they deserve it, that’s one thing. If that means some players have to go again then they’re going to have to show the mentality to go again.”
Manager for the day Schofield is relishing the opportunity to experience what it is like to manage a game, as he told Huddersfield's website:
"It's a great opportunity, I'm not sure if the experience will ever come again, so i'm looking to enjoy every moment of it."