Sheffield Wednesday go up against Preston North End in the Championship tonight, and there could be a key battle on one flank.
Sheffield Wednesday make the trip to Deepdale for their final game of the calendar year.
And it promises to be another tough one; the Owls go into this one on the back of two-straight defeats against Cardiff City and Coventry City respectively, whilst Preston go into this one on the back of a Boxing Day win over Leeds United.
It was a huge win for the Lilywhites who now find themselves in 9th place of the table and just a point outside the top six, compared to Danny Rohl‘s Wednesday who are in last place and now nine points adrift.
And if the Owls are to take anything from tonight’s game, they need to contain Preston wide-man Liam Millar.
Liam Millar runs riot against Leeds United
Peston’s 2-1 win over Leeds was unexpected, but well deserved on the day, and Millar was the star man.
Lancashire Evening Post gave him a 9.5 rating that day, adding:
“Got into the game after 10 minutes and never looked back. Crossed for Browne to score and then curled home the winner with 90 seconds to play. A fantastic, direct, exciting display.”
As well as scoring a spectacular winner, former Liverpool youngster Millar completed 4 out of 6 dribbles, winning 9 out of 13 duels and recording 1 key pass (Sofascore).
Starting on the left of an attacking-minded back-five, Millar looks set to go up against the likes of George Byers and Liam Palmer at right-back later this evening.
How can Sheffield Wednesday contain Millar?
Rohl might have to double-up on Millar tonight, tasking what will likely be Byers on the right of a central midfield three and Palmer at right-back with Millar.
Byers is a very combative midfielder who isn’t afraid of getting stuck in, recording 1.3 tackles per game so far this season (Sofascore), and so the Scot will have to keep a close eye on Millar and give Palmer a helping hand.
Palmer has recently come into the side following the injury to Dominic Iorfa, but he’s yet to really impress, with his performance in the defeat at Norwich City potentially suggesting that he’s somewhat past his best.
But he remains a vastly-experienced player and for the relatively inexperienced Millar, who only made his Championship debut this season, Palmer will prove to be a tough opponent on the right tonight.
This could be a key battle at Deepdale and potentially where the game is won or lost, so Palmer and co really need to be on top form this evening.
Kick off is at 7:45pm.