Millwall boss explains why their tactics against Brentford may be easier to implement at an empty Den

Gary Rowett reckons that the absence of home fans at The Den tomorrow might help with Millwall’s game plan against Brentford.

The Lions are unbeaten in the Championship – taking four points from a possible six – but come up against one of the promotion favourites this weekend in SE16.

“They are technically a good side but we have found ways before to play against those sides,” said Millwall manager Rowett.

“Sometimes at home you won’t have as much of the ball as you’d like.

“It’s probably better in that respect that there are no fans there, because it is a little easier to maybe sit in and be more defensive – rather than feel you have to get out.

“We know what they are going to try and do. They have had a distinct style of play over a number of years. They’ll try to dominate possession and control the game. It doesn’t mean that defensively they won’t drop into shape and be a bit deeper – teams like that can readjust and do readjust.

“We know what type of problems they are going to give you. We have to be very good defensively and not leave a lot of space. If they press high it is going to give you space if you get it right.

“There is no [Ollie] Watkins [sold to Villa] and there are questions over Benrahma, but they have still got lots of good players and have signed Ivan Toney.

“It’s ironic really in some ways, people talk about Brentford being a small club with a great model but they have just spent an awful lot of money on Toney. I know it is generated through the sale of other players but they are investing in the team and spending money on these type of players.

“In my opinion they are a side I expect to be up and around it because they have got real good quality. But we finished eighth last season – we have expectations as well of what we expect off our players.”