Millwall’s new boss, Alex Neil, finds himself navigating a perfect storm of challenges as his embattled squad limps toward a crucial clash against Sheffield Wednesday this weekend. The Lions, who have clawed out just one victory in their last 10 matches, are barely holding things together amid a tidal wave of injuries that has left them alarmingly short on players.
In a desperate bid to bolster his squad, Neil is still waiting on Liverpool prodigy Calum Scanlon, who remains tied up in rehabilitation at Anfield. Hopes of his return have been dashed for this weekend, with a potential comeback penciled in for next week. Meanwhile, defensive stalwarts Jake Cooper and Danny McNamara are eyeing a return for the FA Cup after battling PCL injuries, leaving Millwall scrambling to plug the gaps ahead of Saturday’s showdown.
Neil, who took the reins from Neil Harris just days ago, endured a nightmare debut as Millwall suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of Oxford United. Speaking after the loss, he painted a grim picture of a team strapped for options. “We’re stretched to the breaking point,” he confessed. “There’s no room for tactical shuffles or fresh faces. Even the bench today was thin, and I’d have loved to inject more energy into certain areas—but we just don’t have the bodies.”
Despite doubling Oxford’s final third entries and box touches, Neil lamented the Lions’ toothlessness in attack. “We dominated the ball in key areas, but that killer instinct just wasn’t there,” he admitted. Fans, growing increasingly restless, audibly voiced their frustration as Millwall faltered in possession.
Sheffield Wednesday, buoyed by their hopes of a second straight home win, will be looking to capitalize on Millwall’s misfortune. The Owls are eager to erase the memory of their 3-0 drubbing in August and start 2025 with a statement victory. For Neil and his Lions, Saturday’s clash at Hillsborough looms as a daunting uphill battle in the face of adversity.
