The eagerly anticipated London derby between Millwall and Queens Park Rangers is fast approaching, and Joe Edwards, the manager of Millwall, has made some intriguing changes to the team’s line-up. In an effort to secure a Boxing Day victory over their rivals, Edwards has implemented four significant changes that could potentially impact the outcome of the game.
Aidomo Emakhu, making his fourth start of the season, will play a crucial role in the team’s attack, alongside Duncan Watmore and Tom Bradshaw. Another notable addition to the line-up is Joe Bryan, who will make his first start since October after recovering from an injury. On the other hand, Zian Flemming, Kevin Nisbet, Billy Mitchell, and Murray Wallace have all been left out.
The alterations in personnel strongly suggest that Millwall may switch to a back four formation, with Emakhu and Brooke Norton-Cuffy positioned as the wingers, and Watmore playing behind Bradshaw. There is also the possibility of Ryan Leonard coming into the midfield. Meanwhile, George Honeyman, who is marking his 50th appearance for the Lions, could potentially drop into the midfield alongside Watmore, Emakhu, and Bradshaw.
As for QPR, their manager, Marti Cifuentes, has also made three changes to the team. Ziyad Larkeche, Paul Smyth, and Osman Kakay are set to come in, while Reggie Cannon, Elijah Dixon-Bonner, and Chris Willock have been omitted from the starting line-up.
It is worth noting that Millwall has remained undefeated on Boxing Day since their 1-0 defeat to Walsall in 2015, whereas QPR has only managed to secure one win out of their last nine Boxing Day matches. Looking back at their previous encounters, the Lions emerged victorious with a 2-1 win at Loftus Road, while QPR clinched a 2-0 victory at The Den.
The anticipated line-ups for the match are as follows:
Millwall: 5-2-1-2
Starting Line-up: Sarkic; Norton-Cuffy, Leonard, Harding, Cooper, Bryan; Saville, Honeyman; Watmore; Emakhu; Bradshaw.
Substitutes: Bialkowski, Hutchinson, McNamara, Esse, Longman, Wallace, Nisbet, Flemming, Mitchell.
QPR: 4-3-3
Starting Line-up: Begovic; Kakay, Dunne, Clarke-Salter, Paal; Field, Dozzell, Larkeche; Smyth, Dykes, Chair.
Substitutes: Archer, Drewe, Kelman, Armstrong, Richards, Adomah, Dixon-Bonner, Willock, Cannon.
With both teams preparing for what promises to be an electrifying clash, fans are anticipating an enthralling Boxing Day showdown between these two formidable London clubs. Stay tuned for further updates and analysis following the game.
