Sheffield Wednesday take on Millwall in the Championship this afternoon, and there’s a key player battle already in the making.
Sheffield Wednesday have only taken seven points on the road this season.
The Owls’ last away win was in their final game of 2023 away at Preston North End, and Danny Rohl desperately needs another performance like that today.
Millwall dropped down into 21st place of the table after losing 4-0 at home to Ipswich Town in midweek, with the Lions currently sitting seven points ahead of Sheffield Wednesday in 23rd.
Millwall haven’t won in seven now and they too will know that today’s game is an absolute must-win.
And the Londoners will be counting in playmaker Zian Flemming to run the show.
Zian Flemming can damage Sheffield Wednesday
Described as a ‘top quality player’ by former Millwall boss Gary Rowett, Flemming is enjoying another prolific season at The Den.
Although not as prolific as his 15-goal haul in the Championship last season, which saw Burnley try and fail to sign him in the summer, Flemming has five goals and four assists in 32 Championship appearances this season, with two goals in 2024.
He’s been playing quite close to a lone striker in the last few games, alongside youngster Romain Esse, and despite Millwall’s poor form, Flemming remains a huge threat to any team in the division.
Why Wednesday might struggle to contain Flemming
Sheffield Wednesday have a minor crisis in the squad right now, with Rohl lacking an in form defensive midfielder.
Will Vaulks came in for the injured Momo Diaby against Leicester City but didn’t impress.
In December, Vaulks became Sheffield Wednesday’s key man in the midfield and Rohl desperately needs him to return to that vein of form, and with Diaby injured Vaulks may well start again today.
And he’ll be tasked with containing the threat of Flemming.
Flemming will want the ball at his feet and so Vaulks will need to get tight to him and make sure he’s the right side of him as well.
And going from playing Leicester City to playing Millwall could be a catalyst for Vaulks to regain some form, though going off the Welshman’s recent performances, it’ll still be a difficult task today.
But this is where the game could be won or lost. If Vaulks can contain Flemming and Sheffield Wednesday can knick a goal at the other end, it could be a fruitful away day.