With the latest international break coming to an end, Sunderland look to get back to winning ways against an in-form Millwall side who have picked up some impressive results in recent weeks. We spoke to the guys from That Millwall Podcast to discuss how the Black Cats will fare against The Lions, at The Den...
Millwall are 8th in the league and just a couple of points away from the play-off places. How's your season gone so far?
The start has been indifferent. Lots of turnover not just in players but board personnel too. It took some time to adjust, also with many injuries, and after starting with two wins in 10 games we’re unbeaten in seven and have only lost one in nine, and it’s looking good! We’re healthier, we’re on the same page and momentum is really with us.
What are your thoughts on manager Neil Harris?
Harris is Mr Millwall. He’s arguably the biggest Millwall figure outside of the Berylson family. That man is Millwall's all-time top goalscorer, surpassing Teddy Sherringham. He won promotions as both player and manager and dropped everything to come back and save us from certain relegation last season. He deserves a statue and a stand named after him.
What do you think of former Sunderland men George Honeyman and Duncan Watmore? Will they feature against us at the weekend?
Honeyman is excellent, a real work horse. A Millwall type player if ever I’ve seen one! He’s key for us with his energy, his pressing and his desire to work for the team not himself. Dunc started real hot this year with five early goals. He has gone off the boil a bit lately but he’s a new dad so maybe some sleepless nights are to blame? He's a good squad player and overall he has been good for us.
Who's the best player in your squad?
Romaine Esse won’t be here long. He’s going to make Millwall a lot of money and have a great career. But signing Japhet Tanganga on a free is ridiculous - he’s a Premier League defender and arguably one of the top three centre halves in this division. He’s a Rolls Royce of a defender.
Given the fact that Sunderland will be missing Jobe Bellingham, Alan Browne, Romaine Mundle and Patrick Roberts (amongst others) which SAFC player worries you the most?
This may come as a surprise but Dennis Cirkin worries me. He’s a class defender and he has the ability to make things tick. He’s sneakily very good at getting forward from fullback and this season it's been clear how important he is for you guys. I really like him. Last season, he showed great bravery to score a late header despite being punched in the face by our keeper...
What kind of reception will former Millwall man Dan Ballard receive?
To be honest, he won't get much of a reception at all, neither good or bad. He was a loan player who made it clear he didn’t wanna come back. That’s fine. We don’t think about him and I'm sure he won’t lose sleep over Saturday's trip.
What's your score prediction for the game?
Had this been away at the SoL I would have said a Sunderland win. But Millwall at home are too good! After beating Burnley and Leeds back to back without conceding Millwall are bang on form. Given the players missing for Sunderland and your slight dip in form I’m going to say a 2-0 Millwall win with Josh Coburn (former Sunderland youth forward) and Esse the scorers.
Obviously Millwall has a certain reputation, but is there anywhere decent for an away fan to have a pint pre-match?
The George Inn, The Shipwrights Arms and The Pomellers Rest. They're all really good for away fans around London Bridge/Liverpool Street areas.
