Abdulhafiz TeslimNewcastle United travel to The Den tonight for a potentially fiery Carabao Cup third-round meeting with Millwall, with both managers giving their thoughts ahead of the highly anticipated clash.
The match, which kicks off at 8pm BST on Tuesday, September 8, will see Newcastle make their first-ever visit to The Den, while Matthias Jaissle faces another test during the early stages of his reign on Tyneside. Newcastle have made an unbeaten start under the German coach, while Millwall arrive with renewed confidence after an emphatic victory at the weekend.
The Magpies secured their place in the third round after beating West Bromwich Albion 3-2, while Millwall progressed after defeating Cambridge United 1-0 following their earlier penalty-shootout victory over QPR.
Jaissle warns Newcastle about The Den atmosphere
Newcastle boss Matthias Jaissle knows exactly what his players are walking into.
The Den is renowned for its intense atmosphere, and with Millwall supporters expected to create a hostile environment for the Premier League visitors, Jaissle has made it clear that his players must remain focused.
The German coach acknowledged that the atmosphere will be different, but insisted it cannot influence his approach or Newcastle’s performance.
«“It will be a bit of a special atmosphere down there, I’m aware of it, but it doesn’t influence my coaching and it should not influence the players.”»
Jaissle’s message is straightforward: Newcastle must concentrate on the football rather than allowing the surroundings to become a distraction.
The new Newcastle head coach has already demonstrated a desire for his team to play aggressive, vertical and proactive football, and he will expect the same mentality at The Den.
Newcastle have made a positive start to the campaign, remaining unbeaten in their opening competitive fixtures, but Jaissle knows the Carabao Cup can produce difficult nights, particularly away against Championship opposition.
The German is therefore expected to make changes to his starting XI while still respecting the threat posed by Millwall.
Alex Neil wants Millwall to build on Bolton demolition
Millwall boss Alex Neil will be hoping his players can carry their weekend momentum into tonight’s cup tie.
The Lions responded to consecutive heavy defeats with a spectacular 4-0 victory over Bolton Wanderers at The Den.
That result was particularly important for Neil after his team had suffered defeats against Southampton and Wrexham.
Speaking after the Bolton victory, Neil highlighted the importance of the response from his players.
«“Today was really important. We had a good reaction. It was important that we got back to basics.”»
The Millwall manager has also made it clear that results and effectiveness are currently more important than trying to produce perfect football.
That mentality could be particularly important against Newcastle, who will arrive as favourites because of their Premier League status and strong start under Jaissle.
Neil will therefore want his players to reproduce the intensity and physicality that helped them dismantle Bolton.
Millwall receive major boost before Newcastle clash
Millwall have also received a significant boost ahead of the match.
Jenson Metcalfe was initially sent off during the victory over Bolton, but the red card has subsequently been rescinded.
That means the midfielder is available to face Newcastle tonight.
The incident had initially caused controversy, with Neil describing the decision as “ludicrous” and questioning why the situation resulted in red cards.
Neil said:
«“I thought it was a ludicrous decision – to go straight to red cards. It’s a full-blooded sport, it’s a bit of…”»
The decision to overturn Metcalfe’s dismissal now gives Millwall another option as they prepare to face Newcastle.
However, Neil’s squad still has a number of injury concerns, with several players unavailable.
Newcastle also dealing with injury problems
Jaissle will not have a completely healthy squad either.
Newcastle are expected to be without Dan Burn, Joelinton and William Osula, while goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen is also a doubt.
Joelinton is expected to remain out for a couple of weeks, although Jaissle is confident that the Brazilian will return as soon as possible.
The Newcastle boss has also been cautious with players returning from injury, including Tino Livramento.
Jaissle does not want to rush players back simply for the sake of a cup match.
That could lead to opportunities for some of Newcastle’s younger players and summer recruits, with the likes of Matias Fernandez-Pardo and other squad players pushing for involvement.
👀 A completely different test for Newcastle
Tonight’s game represents another important step in Jaissle’s early Newcastle reign.
The German has already faced Premier League opposition and overseen a Carabao Cup victory, but travelling to The Den presents a completely different challenge.
Newcastle will have to cope with the physical nature of the contest, the atmosphere and a Millwall side that has rediscovered its confidence.
For Neil, meanwhile, the objective is simple: prove that the 4-0 win over Bolton was not a one-off.
The Millwall boss knows Newcastle will provide a much stronger test, but a cup upset would immediately become one of the biggest results of the Lions’ season.
With both managers demanding focus, intensity and discipline from their players, tonight’s encounter promises to be a fascinating battle.
Jaissle wants Newcastle to ignore the noise around The Den and concentrate on their football.
Neil wants Millwall to continue the reaction that began with their emphatic weekend victory.
And with a place in the Carabao Cup fourth round at stake, neither manager can afford for his side to lose concentration.
Abdulhafiz Teslim
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