West Bromwich Albion host Millwall at The Hawthorns for the second time this week when they meet in the Carabao Cup first round, reigniting a battle that saw the two sides draw in the Championship tie on Saturday when Matt Smith equalised from close range to help Millwall fight back and earn a point.
West Bromwich Albion Host Millwall
Reignited Battle
West Brom and Millwall faced each other just three days ago in a Championship fixture that ended 1-1. The Baggies dominated possession and finally got their breakthrough just before the hour mark through an Alex Pearce own goal. Pearce headed a Matt Phillips free-kick into his own net under pressure from Albion defender Kyle Bartley.
However, the Baggies were pegged back 15 minutes from time when Matt Smith poked home a Millwall equaliser. The result left both sides on four points and unbeaten after their opening two Championship games, with the Baggies having beaten Nottingham Forest on the opening day, while Millwall overcame Preston.
New Introductions
Slaven Bilić decided to play the same starting 11 that beat Nottingham Forest and did not include any of his four deadline day signings, including £4 million striker Charlie Austin from Southampton, in his matchday squad, choosing rather to be patient with his new acquisitions, allowing them to settle into the club before putting them into the squad.
Grady Diangana, Chris Willock, Austin and Matheus Pereira were introduced to the crowd at half time on Saturday and are likely to feature this time against the Lions. The Baggies lacked cutting edge up front and eventually paid for it at the weekend but Slaven Bilić believes that he still has an ace in the hole, or four.
Millwall will also see this tie as a chance to integrate some of the new signings into the set-up and bring up match fitness levels. On-loan Brighton midfielder Jayson Molumby could make his debut after featuring last Friday for the U23s in their 1-1 draw against Burnley at The Den.
Main Photo
