They always say that momentum is key heading into the playoffs. Despite drawing against Derby, we were clearly the better team and it is a good sign for us that we will go into the two-legged semi-final on the back of a good run.
Hopefully, we maintain our intensity against Millwall next weekend in order to keep this positive feeling. Of course, there will be a big temptation to rest players at the Den with fourth place secure, but I don’t think that’s a good idea.
There is an argument to be made for ensuring there are no injuries picked up ahead of two crucial matches. Steve Bruce would be heavily criticised if a key player is injured in what is a dead rubber match for us, but for me, keeping players sharp is of tantamount importance.
Having a two-week gap between matches may look like a great way to rest players after a long hard season, but it can also upset the rhythm of the team.
We are playing well at the moment, and if we can keep that up over the next few weeks, we have a real chance of being promoted to the Premier League. Making wholesale changes for any game could risk killing the momentum.
None of the other teams in playoff contention will be resting players on the final day. Cardiff and Fulham will be fighting out for automatic promotion, Middlesbrough will be keen to finish as high as they can, while Derby and Preston will be giving it their all to secure the final playoff berth.
We would, therefore, be the only team heading into the semi-finals who hadn’t had an intense game a week prior to the first leg. In these matches, you have to start well, and if we are just a bit off the pace, we could find ourselves in trouble.
The Millwall game should be seen as a key part of our preparation for the playoffs, not as an afterthought. We will find out on Sunday whether the manager agrees with me or not.
