Meet the opposition | Millwall
As Swansea City prepare to lock horns with Millwall this weekend, we take a closer look at the form and history of the Lions.
What’s their story?
A top-flight club in the late 1980s - with the likes of Teddy Sheringham and Tony Cascarino in their side - Millwall were relegated in 1990 and have played in the second and third divisions of English football ever since.
Neil Harris guided them back to the Championship in 2017, following the disappointment of play-off defeat to Barnsley at Wembley 12 months earlier.
The Lions had a respectable first season back in the second-tier, securing an eighth-place finish, and they finished just above the drop zone the following season.
They were right in the hunt for a play-off place last term, but ended up two points adrift of the top six in eighth place.
How’s their form?
Strong. Millwall have lost just three of their last 16 Championship games, and have won the last three in a row.
It’s a run of form that has seen them leap back into play-off attention, and they still retain a chance of snatching a top-six places if they can keep this sequence of results going.
Who’s the boss?
Gary Rowett. The former Burton, Birmingham, Derby and Stoke manager enjoyed a fine season with the Lions after succeeding Neil Harris last term, and is enjoying another strong campaign this time around.
Ex-defender Rowett played for the likes of Everton, Derby, Birmingham and Leicester across a 16-year career as a professional.
He finished his playing career at Burton before moving into the dugout at the Pirelli Stadium, leading them to two play-off finals.
He then moved to Birmingham before steering Derby to the Championship play-offs. He joined Stoke from there but left his post after eight months.
Who’s the captain?
Alex Pearce. The defender joined the Lions on loan from Derby in January 2019, and his fine form led to a permanent move the following summer.
The Republic of Ireland international made his breakthrough at Reading, where he helped the Royals win promotion to the Premier League, and has also had stints with Northampton, Bournemouth, Norwich, Southampton and Bristol City.
Who are the key men?
Jed Wallace has long been an important figure for Millwall, and that has proved the case again this season with the midfielder - who has also played as a striker recently - contributing nine goals and six assists.
Striker Mason Bennett has six goals to his name, while full-back Scott Maline has chipped in with five plus three assists.
George Evans has impressed since joining from Derby, while they can call on the formidable physical presence of Jake Cooper at the heart of the defence.
