Millwall boss talks about potential “enforced changes” for FA Cup tie against Leicester City

Millwall head coach Joe Edwards has admitted that his team selection may have “enforced changes” after the wear and tear of four Championship games in quick succession over the Christmas period.

The Lions are in fine fettle going into Saturday’s FA Cup third round tie against Leicester City with three Championship wins on the bounce and four straight clean sheets.

Millwall host the Foxes, top of the table in the second tier, at The Den this weekend.

“Off the back of Bristol we’ve had two days off that were definitely needed,” said Edwards.

“There are several players in at Calmont Road over the two days off for check-ups and assessments, because we definitely picked up a fair few niggles and fatigue-related bits across the four games.

“It got to the point, particularly with the Norwich and Bristol City games, when it is that congested, that you recognise making changes and freshening up is a part of it – but also when we started building the rhythm and momentum in our play I didn’t want to tweak it too much.

“If you’d have asked me before the 10-day period that I’d be going into game four – Bristol – and I only made two changes between Norwich and Bristol then I’d probably have been expecting to make more. But I chose not to because I thought we were getting some consistency.

“We have probably picked up a couple of niggles off the back of it and I think my team selection for Leicester will be as impacted by what shape we’re in as much as how we want to approach the game.

“But, for sure, the FA Cup is something we’d love to have a good run in. It is a big game against the team that is undoubtedly the best team in our division. We want to go strong and put a competitive team out.

“But before I consider any tactical or rotation changes there definitely might be some enforced ones due to how much a cost that busy period came for us.”