Key Takeaways
- Millwall can climb to second in the Championship if they beat QPR on Saturday.
- Coach Alex Neil wants his squad to enjoy the run-in and play without fear.
- A win at The Den plus a Wrexham slip would also lock up a play-off spot.
Coach Alex Neil has told his Millwall squad to treat the promotion fight as a gift, not a burden, as the London club prepare to host QPR in a crucial lunchtime match on Saturday.
The Lions sit third with only four rounds left. Victory over their neighbours could lift them above Ipswich before the Tractor Boys play on Sunday. A Wrexham loss at Stoke would also confirm Millwall’s place in the play-offs.
Neil admitted the club has not been this close to the top flight since their last play-off run 22 years ago. “Moments like these may never come again,” he said. “Jump in with both feet, play with a clear mind and leave nothing behind.”
Millwall’s recent form has been mixed. A huge win at Middlesbrough shot them into the automatic spots, yet a home loss to Norwich and a draw at West Brom let Ipswich edge ahead. Tuesday’s shock defeat for Ipswich at Portsmouth reopened the door.
“That result keeps hope alive for several teams,” Neil noted. “We must stay calm but hungry. A hot heart and a cool head win tight games.”
Some fans already debate whether second place is realistic or if the play-offs await. Neil urged perspective, saying: “If I had promised a top-six finish back in July, every supporter would have snapped my hand off. We are not settling, yet reaching the play-offs would still make this one of the best seasons here in decades.”
Kick-off against QPR is 12:30 pm, live on Sky Sports+, and the Den is expected to be packed to the rafters.