Sheffield Wednesday chief issues warning ahead of Millwall clash

Caretaker manager Lee Bullen has warned his Owls players to expect a physical battle when they take on Millwall at The Den.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The Lions, managed by Neil Harris, are renowned for being a big, strong, direct team and they are unbeaten after their opening two Championship fixtures.

But Bullen, who has masterminded back-to-back victories over Reading and Barnsley, has backed his side to cope with the London club's physical approach this Saturday.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Scot, who hopes midfield maestro Barry Bannan (calf) will be available for selection, told The Star: "We know exactly what we are going to be coming up against with Millwall.

Owls caretaker boss Lee BullenOwls caretaker boss Lee Bullen
Owls caretaker boss Lee Bullen

"I know Neil Harris really, really well and his team have had a lot of success and what you are going to get is a battle going into the Lions den should we say.

"We know their support base is unbelievable in their backing of the team and players and they will try and make it a red hot atmosphere.

"They will certainly ask questions of us which will be completely different from the first two games, especially with big Matt Smith up front and their two big centre-backs.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"We understand we are going to have defend set plays and it will be a more physical game.

"It will be a big, big test but I am confident we can deal with it."

Millwall maintained their fine start to the campaign by coming-from-behind to beat West Bromwich Albion in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"I think on paper you have got to look at going away to Millwall and away to Cardiff as being the two biggest tests from a physical and a defensive aspect," claimed Bullen. "We are going to have to get those aspects 100 per cent correct before we even talk about the offensive side of the game.

"Hopefully, if we can match them on that side of things, we will have the players who can exploit situations at the other end of the pitch."

As for the Owls, Bullen's men were not in action in midweek after their scheduled first round tie with Bury was called off because of the Shakers ongoing financial problems.

Bullen said: "I am gutted that we didn't have the cup game because the lads needed game time. I would have preferred to have had it but we have just tried to make use of the time we have got."

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.