Forest preview & prediction

By Stephen Eighteen
April 16 2004

It is now fast approaching that time of the season when every point counts. Performances and prettiness goes out of the window for the sake of doing everything you possibly can to reach the ultimate objective, and in Millwall’s case that is the play offs.

It is now crunch time, and with the experience of the FA Cup run this season, it is particularly interesting to see how the Lions deal with the upcoming hurdles.

Will the cup run give the club the know-how to approach the remaining five fixtures with the same freedom and vigour as the players have shown throughout Dennis Wise’s reign as manager?

Or will the physical and mental exertions finally impact on their season to prevent Millwall from reaching the top six spot that they have coveted all season?

From Monday’s clash against the league leaders West Brom, the signs are encouraging.

It was Millwall’s fourth game in eight days, and was just 48 hours after Coventry inflicted the worst drubbing of the season.

If ever the character of this team were to be tested, this would be it.

Although only one point was gained, with Dennis Wise back in the side, the Lions had got their bite back after suffering from the inevitable semi-final hangover.

Wise will be massive in the run-in. Of course he contributes tangibly on the pitch, but his mere presence is a calming and inspiring influence to teammates who are only too keen to stress their respect for the player manager.

And then there is the return of Paul Ifill. With Tim Cahill walking on eggshells, there has been a lack of flair and pace in the last week, and the winger’s return will provide a massive boost.

Additionally, the fixture list is not as harsh as it could have been. Of five games left, only two of them are away, and once the Lions get this week’s trip to Nottingham Forest and the home game with Watford out of the way, there will be a far more manageable one game a week programme to deal with.

Although there are never any easy games at this level, Reading are the only side to pose any play off aspirations.

PREDICTION – Nottingham Forest 2 Millwall 2.

Remaining games-
Division One Sat April 17 Nottingham Forest (a)
Division One Tue April 20 Watford (h)
Division One Sat April 24 Reading (h)
Division One Sat May 5 Derby (a)
Division One Sun May 9 Bradford (h)
FA Cup Final Sat May 22 Man Utd (n)