League football returns this weekend and it’s the game that we were all waiting for as
Millwall host fierce rivals Leeds United on Sunday lunchtime live on Sky Sports.
As Gary Rowett’s lions play their first game of the season against one of the relegated Premier League teams.
The Lions will be looking to improve on a spirited point away at Birmingham City. Where
Daniel Farke’s Leeds side will be looking to kick start their season after a so-so start to it
following after a 0-0 draw against Yorkshire rivals Sheffield Wednesday.
Ones to watch
This Leeds side is the second youngest squad in the Championship in terms of average age and are packed with loads of vibrant, Premier League experienced players. The main one to keep an eye on is Italian striker Wilfried Gnonto, who after a lot of unrest surrounding his future has stayed at Elland Road to help guide the club back to the Premier League.
Leeds also strengthened their attack in the summer by adding striker Joel Piroe from Swansea City who is regarded as one of the best strikers in the division and are hoping to have Crysensio Summerville back following an injury at the start of the season. In addition, former Millwall loanees Jamie Shackleton and Charlie Cresswell could come back to haunt their former side at the Den. Tottenham loanees Joe Rodon and Djed Spence who have previous Championship experience could prove to be a handful going forward and defensively resolute at the back.
The difference makers
Striker Kevin Nisbet will be looking to continue his goalscoring form for Millwall after netting 2 in 2 following a deflected free kick last time out. Additionally, it would be exactly a year ago on Sunday since Zian Flemming opened his Millwall account against Blackpool. Could Sunday see him open this season’s account and get his season up and running?
The last time we met
You would have to cast your minds back to January 2020 for the last time these two sides locked horns in an entertaining 3-2 win for Leeds at Elland Road. Gary Rowett was into his first season and his Millwall side took the lead to half time. However, a courageous comeback from Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds side saw them take all 3 points in what would be their league winning season.
What the bookies think
Despite the home advantage and Leeds’ strange hoodoo against London based football clubs over the years, bookmakers SkyBet have the visitors down as the favourites to claim all 3 points with 11/8 being priced up for a Leeds win. With a Millwall win coming in at 2/1.
