adminMillwall ready to take out frustration of Wrexham defeat on Charlton Athletic – with attacking reinforcements boosting Valley chances
Millwall head into Saturday’s south London derby against Charlton Athletic at The Valley having not scored in two of their four Championship games.
The outlook since their blank against Wrexham before the international break, though, is different.
Millwall added Austria international Thierno Ballo to their squad just before the transfer window shut. Early this week, Alex Neil confirmed to NewsAtDen that Macaulay Langstaff and Zak Lovelace had returned to training.
With those two back, Millwall could have at least nine attackers to choose from for four attacking positions, either in a 4-4-2 or a 4-2-3-1, against Nathan Jones’s side.
The potential availability of Langstaff will give Millwall a different dynamic in attack. He showed against Norwich City his awareness of space in behind and his ability to link play – qualities the Lions have sometimes lacked when relying on Tom Bradshaw as the focal point. If he is passed fit, Neil may be tempted to partner Langstaff with Zian Flemming, who has been tasked with carrying much of the creative burden so far this season.
Lovelace’s return is also timely. The teenager’s direct running and raw pace stretch defences in ways few others in the squad can. For a game that is often decided by energy and intensity, his inclusion in the matchday squad could be vital, even if only from the bench.
Ballo, meanwhile, is still being integrated, but the Austrian youth international has been described by Neil as “a player who thrives between the lines.” His creativity could help unlock Charlton’s defensive shape, especially if the Addicks sit deep to soak up pressure in front of their home fans.
Neil now faces the challenge of balance. With attacking options such as Bradshaw, Flemming, Langstaff, Ballo, Lovelace, Kevin Nisbet, Aidomo Emakhu, Romain Esse, and Duncan Watmore, the Lions suddenly look well-stocked. But only four can realistically start. The decision will likely come down to finding the right blend of experience, physicality, and flair.
The manager has stressed that Millwall’s issues this season have not been about creating opportunities but about being clinical. “We’ve been in good areas,” Neil said earlier this week. “It’s about that final pass, that final run, that final touch. Hopefully with more options, that will improve.”
Charlton, for their part, will be no pushovers. Jones has already stamped his authority on the side, and The Valley faithful will demand an aggressive approach against their local rivals. The Addicks have shown resilience at home and will be looking to exploit any hesitation in Millwall’s back line, which has looked shaky under pressure in recent weeks.
For Millwall, the derby represents more than just bragging rights. After an inconsistent start, victory could kickstart their campaign and ease the pressure building on Neil. A defeat, however, would undo much of the optimism generated by the new arrivals and returning players.
The stakes, as ever in a south London derby, could not be higher. Expect a fierce contest, fine margins, and perhaps, just perhaps, the moment where Millwall’s attack finally clicks into gear.
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