Christian Walton has kept 13 clean sheets this season – the joint most in the Championship. (Image: Ross Halls)
Goalkeeper: Christian Walton
Registered his 13th clean sheet of the season in last weekend’s 2-0 win at Sheffield Wednesday. Likely to be much busier today. Ability to come and pluck crosses out the sky could be key against a big Millwall team.
Darnell Furlong has started the last 19 league games in a row. (Image: Steve Waller)
Right-back: Darnell Furlong
Can play with more bite now that the yellow card slate has been wiped clean. Hard to know if it will be Camiel Neghli or Macauley Langstaff down his side given the pair have swapped roles at times. May not be a game for his long throws.
Dara O’Shea will want to sign off for the international break on a high. (Image: Ross Halls)
Right-sided centre-back: Dara O’Shea
Skipper has produced more accurate long passes than any other outfield player in the Championship this season. Will be keen to sign off for the Republic of Ireland’s huge World Cup qualifying play-off against Czechia on a high.
Jacob Greaves has a chance at centre-back again due to Cedric Kipre’s suspension. (Image: Ross Halls)
Left-sided centre-back: Jacob Greaves
Stepped in for the suspended Cedric Kipre at Hillsborough last weekend and was my MOTM. Has a chance to take the shirt given Kipre still has one more game of his ban to serve. Aerial strength will be key given 40% of Millwall’s goals have come from set-pieces.
Leif Davis’ suspension has opened the door for Ben Johnson. (Image: Ross Halls)
Left-back: Ben Johnson
Leif Davis serves the second game of his highly controversial three-match ban for ‘violent conduct’, dished out on review after the 1-1 draw against Leicester. With no other fit senior left-backs in the squad, it’s Johnson’s time to shine. May not be a natural left-footer, but has athleticism and a decent delivery, evidenced by his assist for Ivan Azon’s opener. Will be up against Town’s January target, Femi Azeez (8G, 7A).
Azor Matusiwa went 17 league games without picking up a 10th booking. (Image: PA)
Holding midfielder: Azor Matusiwa
He did it! Town’s Dutch destroyer got through an incredible 17 league matches without picking up his 10th booking of the season. Means he doesn’t have to hold anything back against a team who have committed more fouls than anyone else in the division.
Jack Taylor scored a fine goal in the recent draw at Stoke. (Image: Ross Halls)
Box-to-box midfielder: Jack Taylor
Dan Neil’s form has dipped after an impressive start, with the Sunderland loanee still building up his match fitness. Taylor, who impressed off the bench against the Owls, might be best suited for a physical encounter.
Might Kasey McAteer be handed a rare start on the right? (Image: Steve Waller)
Right-winger: Kasey McAteer
Sindre Walle Egeli was hooked at the break last weekend after a poor first half, while replacement Wes Burns subsequently limped off with a calf issue. Jaden Philogene duly made his injury return on the right, but I think Ipswich will wait until after the international break to get him back in the starting XI. All that leads me to predict McAteer making his first league start since… Millwall away on Boxing Day. I really liked his cameo at Stoke recently. Pace can be an outlet.
Anis Mehmeti looks set to start as the No.10 with Marcelino Nunez still injured. (Image: Ross Halls)
No.10: Anis Mehmeti
With Marcelino Nunez sidelined with the hamstring injury he suffered against Leicester, Mehmeti is back in the No.10 slot he took to so well after arriving from Bristol City in January. Plays with that uncoachable ‘edge’ and can hopefully channel that for a big occasion.
Jack Clarke hasn’t scored from open play since a brace against Bristol City back on January 20th. (Image: PA)
Left-winger: Jack Clarke
There may be a temptation to put Philogene back into his favoured position for such a big game, but, as mentioned, I think that will be deemed too big a risk given he’s only just back from an MCL injury. Clarke will look to glide inside and tempt Tristan Crama into lunging tackles. Hasn’t scored from open play since his brace against Bristol City back in January.
Will George Hirst get the nod up top? (Image: Ross Halls)
Striker: George Hirst
Who will McKenna pick to battle Millwall’s two 6ft 4in centre-backs, Jake Cooper and Tristan Crama? It’s a big call. You can make a strong argument for Ivan Azon given he stepped off the bench to score last weekend, but I do recall the Spaniard getting very little change out of the Lions’ defence on Boxing Day. Hirst’s ability to press and run in behind could see him get the nod.