Familiar faces set for Pride Park return as Derby host Millwall

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An array of former Rams are set to rock up at Pride Park once more on Saturday afternoon for some Sky Bet Championship action as Derby County play host to Millwall.

Wayne Rooney’s men are without a win in their last four games and have tasted victory just once in their last six, results that have ensured the Rams are not out of the relegation picture just yet.

A 0-0 draw in their last encounter will have, on this occasion, been a confidence booster for Rooney’s side. Not only did they pick up a clean sheet, but also put an end to Barnsley’s seven-game winning run. However, another game without a goal is a concern for the East Midlands outfit who are still comfortably one of the lowest scorers in the division.

Millwall sit seven places and seven points above the Rams and head into Saturday’s encounter in form equally as poor as their hosts with just one win in their last five.

In no real danger of relegation and early hopes of a play-off spot seemingly faltering, the Lions look destined for a mid-table finish guided by none other than ex-Derby player and manager Gary Rowett.

Remarkably, Rowett is just one of seven in the Millwall fold who have previously represented the Rams. 

Technical coach Joe Carnall was employed by Derby during Rowett’s reign at the club and has now partnered the Lions manager at four separate clubs.

Goalkeeper Frank Fielding had two loan spells with the Rams before joining permanently in 2011, he then left for Bristol City in 2013 and joined up with Millwall in 2019. 

Captain Alex Pearce signed for the East London-based side on a free transfer following a successful loan deal from Derby in 2019.

Scott Malone, who has been in hot form so far this season, is currently on loan from Rooney’s side so shall miss the upcoming fixture; a huge loss for Rowett.

Mason Bennett signed permanently for the Lions in the summer of 2020, following his loan deal at the tail end of the 2019/20 season.

To round it off, George Evans signed for Millwall from Derby in the latest transfer window meaning the term ‘familiar faces’ is somewhat of an understatement. 

Three points could go a long way for the Rams, with the relegation zone still lurking over their shoulder, but the Lions shall prove no push over with a number of the travelling squad determined to prove a point.

Rooney versus Rowett – we’ll soon see who comes out on top.

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