Sheffield Wednesday were embarrassed by local rivals Sheffield United on Sunday, and a response is needed against Millwall.
Henrik Pedersen will know that things are tough for the Owls at the moment, but the non-negotiable effort and commitment can’t waver as it did against the Blades.
Wednesday are up against it to stay up this season, with points deductions meaning the club is currently 18 points adrift of safety and League One looking to be back on the cards.
This season will give lots of younger players the chance to get minutes in the Championship, but after the derby-day fiasco, there is one player who will now be desperate to start on Wednesday.
Henrik Pedersen must start Liam Cooper against Millwall
Cooper recently checked in at Hillsborough on a free transfer, and the 34-year-old has made two substitute appearances for the Owls so far.
On Sunday, he was thrust into action earlier than anticipated, with Dominic Iorfa being forced out of the action on the 40-minute mark.
Cooper did well in his first proper outing for Wednesday and showcased to the fans exactly how important he might be at Hillsborough between now and the end of the season.
The experienced former Leeds United star won five aerial challenges during the game, which was the most of any Wednesday player on the pitch.
Cooper has been there and seen it all when it comes to the second tier, and on Wednesday, Pedersen simply has to unleash the defender from the off.
Liam Cooper stats vs Sheffield United
Cooper might not be enough to keep Wednesday up this season, but he should offer invaluable experience for the younger players in the Wednesday ranks.
The man who won promotion with Leeds United during his time as a player, captained the Whites for a number of years and alongside Barry Bannan, he will relish the chance to be a leader again.
Cooper can marshal a defence, and on Sunday, he showcased that he’s also still capable of playing at this level following a brief spell with CSKA Sofia.
Naturally, it was always going to take a little bit of time for Cooper to get up to speed, but with Wednesday shipping goals at an alarming rate, the time has come to start the centre-back this week.