Millwall Vs U's - Durham's Preview

TH takes his charges to take on Neil (Chopper) Harris' Millwall team at the New Den this afternoon.

U's go into the Lion's Den to do battle

With the first Seasonal weather affecting parts of the country today (there is a light covering of snow in Durham) the match will not be for the faint hearted. Both the Den and the New Den have often been a source of difficult results for the U's over the years, but today offers a glimmer of hope. Millwall's home form has not been imperious this season and there are chinks in the gladiatorial armour which the U's must exploit, if they are to avoid a mauling in London.

TH must manage again without both Ambrose and Garvan whilst although Richard Brindley, Kane Vincent-Young and Alex Wynter have resumed training they are perhaps two weeks away from a return (and they have been very much missed).

TH has already started the psychological war by praising the Millwall fans (apparently for their voracious support) and warning of the strength of Millwall's ex Championship stars. However he must believe the U's are capable of a result today, especially with Gavin Massey back in the attack.The U's must travel without fear and look to achieve a positive outcome.

TH must decide whether to employ Chris Porter and Macauley Bonne or stick with Callum Harriott (who looks increasingly to be recalled to struggling Charlton Athletic in January - but why when they are surely doomed to relegation from the championship this season) and Marvin Sordell who has ability but fails to convert the number of chances that he creates .

If Porter is utilised he must not be isolated in a 4,5,1 but requires support from the U's wide players.

Suggest a 4,2,3,1:

Jones

Edwards Eastman Elokobi Briggs

Gilbey Moncur

Harriott Sordell Massey

Porter

Subs:

Parish Kent Curtis Sembie-Ferris Bonne Wright Lapslie

Safe journey to the travelling faithful, enjoy the game and let us hope that it is only the U's fans roaring at 4.50pm.

Up the U's

What to read next:

Do Southampton Need To Recall Bella-Kotchap For Liverpool Clash
With Jan Bednarek seemingly set to miss his first Premier League game of the season, Saints are struggling for central defenders to take on the League leaders Liverpool at St Mary's, is it time to bring in a player out of the cold.

Does Shea Charles Prove That Russell Martin's Player Judgement is Flawed
There has been a lot of words typed on the internet about Russell Martin and his tactics, but is this just the reason as to why we are doing badly in the Premier League, last season there was a clear evidence that his player selection is not what it should be.

Central Defensive Injury Blow For Southampton
If the next few weeks were going to be tough with the potential absence of goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, then they are now getting much worse with the news that a central defender has been injured in International duty over the weekend.

England England's Number 16
It was a dream England debut for Southampton's Taylor Harwood-Bellis, in front of his future Father in law ex Manchester United & Republic of Ireland legend Roy Keane, not only scoring but also nearly getting an assist.

Nick's Saints Saints Away Travel Lay On 6th Coach For Brighton
Brighton away was the first fixture Southampton fans looked for when they came out back in June so there was great disappointment when the game was switched to a Friday night as it means it's virtually impossible to get back on the train.

Saints Not Afraid Of Sacking Russell Martin Even If They Have To Pay
Recent reports have suggested that Southampton have not dispensed with the services of Russell Martin due to the alleged £12 million compensation cost. However it is now suggested that this is not the case and that if they do lose faith they are willing to pay the price.

Southampton Settle Russell Martin Compensation With Swansea City
Its dragged on a bit, but Saints have finally sorted out the compensation package with the Swans for Russell Martin's switch from South Wales to the South Coast, although the details of the settlement are rather vague.

Goalkeeper To Have Surgery As Saints Season Gets Even Worse
One of the highlights, if you can say their were any, of the last few months, was the arrival from Arsenal of Aaron Ramsdale, but now comes some terrible news, that he has injured a finger.

Sources Say Southampton Have Made Decision About Russell Martin
The last two days have been ones of frustration for fans of Southampton Football Club, after a toothless display at Wolverhampton Wanderers, many were convinced that this would surely be the end of the line for the Saints manager.

Southampton V Wolverhampton Wanderers The Verdict
If ever a game epitomised what has been going wrong this season, it was this one at Molyneaux, whatever way you look at it, it was disappointing, perhaps the most damning statistic was the fact that we did not get one shot on target, at least one that wasn't disallowed.