League One Play-off Preview: Millwall v Leeds United

English Football League / Alan Dudman / 07 May 2009 / Leave a Comment

Alan Dudman believes there is an epic contest on the cards in South East London on Saturday lunchtime. Best Bet: Back draw/draw @ [4.00]

Borg versus McEnroe, America against Europe, Fischer duelling with Spassky, the Red Sox whipping the Yankees and Neighbours v Home and Away. Epic rivalries over the years - and we could have an epic in store this Saturday in South East London - so I'll put into the hat Millwall and Leeds United. Strap yourselves in, settle down for Saturday lunchtime, and asked not to be disturbed for 90 minutes.

Millwall [2.70] v Leeds United [2.70], the draw [3.40]

Saturday, live on Sky, kick-off 12:45 BST

This is really as good a game as you can get in League One. Big rivals, two big clubs, and a place at Wembley at stake. This is a true Battle Royal.

Next week's return leg at Elland Road has already sold out 37,000 tickets, and this was undoubtedly the game I was looking forward to the most.

Millwall's season has been one of consistency. Equally good at home or on their travels, Kenny Jackett has given belief to a squad that was more than adequately equipped to have a real good go at promotion. Leeds' season meanwhile, is a story of two halves. Rudderless under Gary MacAllister before January, and ruthlessly efficient since the appointment of Simon Grayson. Part of me feels that Leeds were always destined to get back into the Championship via a Wembley appearance.

The Yorkshire team's relentless collection of points under Grayson is more eyecatching, but Millwall have been spoilers this term too, notably the win against Peterborough last month.

With just 1,000 Leeds fans heading down to the New Den, the atmosphere is going to be intimidating - let's not deny it - and this is a proper two-legged affair.

Much talk has been about the free-scoring (and hot-headed) striking exploits of Jermaine Beckford. The player is class, and is always one step ahead with a killer finish. He forms a deadly attack with Becchio and Snodgrass - and between them have amassed 63 goals this season. However, I would say their defence has been much improved
under Grayson. I was never convinced about them beforehand, in particular Rui Marques. But I hold my hands up and can clearly seea better backline.

Leeds have got to silence the crowd, which could be tricky as a few of the younger players may have not experienced quite the intensity and hostility that we are going to see over the two legs.

Meanwhile, Millwall come into Saturday's game off the back of a defeat against Carlisle. Ignore that, they needed to win to stay up, the Lions had already sorted their play-off place.

The Londoners are set for a massive boost following the news that club captain Paul Robinson is likely to return having recovered from a broken metartarsal. Although his three month absence hasn't been crucial, his return for such a huge game is of obvious importance.

Millwall have been really good this season at working and hustling teams. They were relentless against Peterborough last month, and hounded all their ball players out of the game. That level of performance is a must here, as they must take a small advantage to Elland Road.

Although on paper it promises to be a classic, I don't think it is going to be a great footballing game. I am sure Millwall will hound and strangle, hoping to engineer a half chance or two up front. Whilst Leeds have the more potent strikeforce, but will be playing a tight game with the return at Elland Road just five days later.

Kenny Jackett has experience of play-offs with Swansea in 2006. He led them to the final then, but Leeds could have too much ammo over the two legs. The sending off market is of massive interest considering the rivalry and atmosphere, expect a card or two.