Millwall have the worst home record in the Football League with no wins and three draws all season. Saints do of course have a talent for ending other side's unwanted records, such as providing Norwich's first Premiership win last season. However, Saints should still prove too strong for Millwall and have to take some of their endless chances eventually.
According to the club, the final squad of 16 will be picked from the following group of players:
Niemi, Cranie, Lundekvam, Svensson, Higginbotham, Belmadi, Oakley, Quashie, McCann, Fuller, Walcott, Kosowski, Ormerod, Wise, Delap, K Jones, Blackstock, Smith.
Missing through suspension are Darren Powell and 'Mr Yellow Card' Tomasz Hajto. Once again Marian Pahars has failed to make the squad and is seriously trying the patience of Harry Redknapp who would love to have his goalscoring talent in the side, but is less than impressed with the constant stream of niggles. This week, after recovering from the 'bad back' he has now picked up a minor groin strain.
Better news for Saints is the return of Michael Svensson who was rested against Leeds as a precaution after experiencing stiffness in his knee. With Tomasz Hajto absent, this should mean another start for Martin Cranie after his encouraging performance against Leeds.
Also back is Dennis Wise who returns to the club he managed and left in acrimonious circumstances. He looks set for a place on the bench and may well enjoy his touchline warm-up with his usual bravado. It will be interesting to see the reception he receives.
Forgotten man Neil McCann's excellent performance in his first appearance of the season against Leeds should see him continue on the left flank with the talented Kosowski unlucky to miss out.
Up front, Harry has indicated that he will give another start to Theo Walcott, no doubt partnered by the ever present Ricardo Fuller who will be hoping to build on an improved, but yet again goal-less performance, against Leeds.
Harry said of Theo: "He will keep his place tomorrow and if he turns in another terrific performance, he will stay in. If he needs a rest then I will pull him out but I have no worries about him. He is strong and can take care of himself."
Redknapp is starting to show Saints fans that he is not afraid to give youth a chance but only provided he thinks they are ready. Jones has had an extended run in the side, Cranie has been a constant on the bench and filling in for his defensive colleagues and Theo has appeared in nearly every game.
No doubt others will be slowly introduced when Harry feels they are ready or sent out on loan to gain league experience. Perhaps the most unlucky to miss out has been Dexter Blackstock, who has a number of first team goals to his name, but has only had limited opportunities to show he might be the answer to Saints' misfiring attack. Don't be surprised to see him go out on loan if he does not make the line-up in the next couple of games.
Likely line-up
Despite some serious clouds of late in the On the Cross crystal ball, such as the Leeds game, we should expect to see the following line-up against Millwall.
Niemi
Cranie, Svensson, Lundekvam, Higginbotham
Belmadi, Oakley, Quashie, McCann
Fuller, Walcott
Subs: Smith, Kosowski, Wise, Delap, Jones