“Running On Empty” – Millwall Admission Hands West Ham Derby Edge

By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)

Millwall manager Alex Neil has admitted that a number of his players are “running on empty” before Saturday’s huge derby against West Ham United.

The Lions travelled to Middlesbrough without eleven first-team players and have also had to negotiate four consecutive weeks containing a Tuesday fixture. Speaking after the 2-2 draw at the Riverside, Neil told Southwark News: “We’ve got a lot of lads running on empty just now.”

Millwall fatigue must help West Ham

There is no doubt that Millwall’s injury crisis and demanding schedule should work in West Ham’s favour. They played at Middlesbrough on Tuesday night with a depleted squad, while Nuno Espírito Santo was able to rest several important players during the Carabao Cup defeat against Fulham.

That does not remove any pressure from West Ham, however. The Hammers need to win this game regardless of who is available to Alex Neil, because the expectation comes from our own position, our own squad and the enormous importance of the fixture.

As covered in our full Millwall match preview, this is not a normal Championship away game. West Ham will have to withstand an intense and feisty start, but Millwall’s efforts during recent weeks could become increasingly important as the game kicks into gear.

West Ham may benefit later in the game

The home players will run on adrenaline initially. The crowd will be loud, the tackles will be flying and Millwall will almost certainly attempt to make the opening stages uncomfortable.

However, that sort of emotional intensity also expends nervous energy. If West Ham remain composed, retain possession and avoid being dragged into the chaos, the physical advantage could begin to show during the second half.

I believe Alex Neil is being honest when he says his players are running on empty. Millwall have been unable to rotate properly because of their injury situation, and a lengthy midweek trip to Middlesbrough was hardly ideal preparation.

The Braveheart teamtalk will only take Millwall so far. Once the emotion begins to subside, West Ham’s fresher attacking players must be ready to take control.

Nuno must not overthink his selection

Nuno should not change or restrict his own team simply because Millwall might tire. He must select the strongest and most dangerous side available to him, with the intention of scoring goals rather than merely surviving the occasion.

West Ham do not possess an abundance of genuine pace throughout the team. Manor Solomon is probably the quickest player likely to start, which makes his ability to stretch Millwall particularly important.

That is also why I would have Edvin Austbø on the bench. The young Norwegian offers precisely the sort of direct running and speed that could cause enormous problems against tired defenders during the closing stages.

We have already heard a Millwall defender promise an intimidating occasion, but West Ham cannot allow the atmosphere to dictate their football. Nuno’s players must weather the opening storm and then impose their superior attacking quality.

Millwall’s absences and fatigue are helpful, but they are not an excuse for anything. West Ham must pick their best goalscoring team, remain composed and ensure that the team “running on empty” is forced to keep chasing the ball.