Could Gary Rowett change formation for Leeds clash? Millwall boss admits Cardiff fightback is food for thought
BY RICHARD CAWLEY
Gary Rowett could be set to ditch Millwall’s 5-2-3 formation for tonight’s Championship clash at Leeds United.
The Lions have a slight doubt over the fitness of Shaun Hutchinson, who was an unused sub in Saturday’s FA Cup defeat to Sheffield United.
And Rowett also reckons that Cardiff City’s fightback against Leeds at Elland Road – hauling their way back to claim a 3-3 draw despite trailing 3-0 just before the hour mark – is also food for thought.
“Hutch had a tight hamstring and that’s why we didn’t start him against Sheffield United,” said Rowett. “We have to look at the fact that Leeds struggled a bit against direct play, so it might be that we change formation because Cardiff caused them problems at the end.
“We don’t always have to go away from home and play a five [at the back], especially with the Hutch situation.”
Leeds are heavy betting favourites to take all three points even though they are winless in four matches in all competitions and up against one of the league’s form teams.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side have not played since a 1-0 loss at QPR on January 18.
“If you have a 10-day break going into a game and the other team have played a Premier League side three days before that then it’s quite clear where the advantage lies,” said Rowett. “I’ve got to be honest and say I don’t care about stuff like that [the bookies pricing Millwall at 7/1 to win].
“We’ll go like we did to Swansea, Bristol City and Derby – to win the game.
“Leeds, on their day, are probably the side who can perform to the best level in the division – as we saw when they played Arsenal [in the FA Cup]. But their recent results have been a little bit erratic.
“When the pressure is on you to go up and be promoted then it is going to make you a little edgy.
“We need to go there and perform really well. They are a top side and their manager has been lauded by nearly every manager in the world as one of the best around.
“We know we’ve got a difficult job on our hands but we go there really confident. We’re not worried about any team we play but we’re also respectful of the level of opposition – they come into it fresh and also will be well-prepared.
“I heard when I got here that this is a spicy one. As a manager you kind of try to distance yourself a little bit from that, but you also appreciate how much it means to the fans. We’ll have to perform at the top of our game to get any sort of result.”