While it has been a disappointing season in the Championship for Millwall, supporters have still had something to smile about this campaign with the south London club performing exceptionally well in the FA Cup.
After beating AFC Wimbledon 1-0 in the previous round, a quarter-final clash versus Brighton at The Den now awaits Neil Harris’ men with Lee Gregory likely to be the home side’s best chance of making it to Wembley.
As for the visitors, looking at his most recent display, Anthony Knockaert could be the player who proves to make the difference on the day from a Brighton perspective.
With that in mind, how do the two Millwall and Brighton attackers compare?
Lee Gregory
Currently Millwall’s leading goalscorer this term, Gregory is the man Harris will undoubtedly be pinning his hopes on.
Capable of playing up front alone or with a strike partner, the English centre-forward is an individual who is clearly rated highly by his manager – and not just for his goal-scoring exploits.
“It’s not just his goals, Lee has got a lot of other attributes,” Harris told News at Den back in 2015 when speaking about his striker.
“His closing down from the front, link-up play and the way he competes in the air against big centre halves are terrific.”
Based on that, Lewis Dunk and Shane Duffy could be in for a difficult Sunday afternoon.
TT Grade: C+
Anthony Knockaert
Knockaert stole the show in Brighton’s recent 2-1 win over rivals Crystal Palace after he curled in a fantastic effort towards the end of the game to give Chris Hughton’s men all three points.
Since winning promotion to the Premier League with Brighton, it is perhaps something the Amex faithful have not seen enough of.
Nevertheless, that moment of brilliance from out of nowhere is what Knockaert is capable of, making him someone Millwall have to pay close attention to.
Once the tricky winger receives the ball on the right flank, he has the skill to beat his full-back on the inside with his left foot before getting a shot on goal or playing in a team-mate.
Much attention will be on Glenn Murray when Brighton take to the Den pitch, but it could so easily once again be the Anthony Knockaert show.
TT Grade: B-
TT Verdict:
Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final encounter between Millwall and Brighton will be no walk in the park for the Premier League side.
The Lions have already beaten opposition from English football’s top flight in Everton with Gregory getting his name on the scoresheet in that victory.
That being said, Brighton have to be considered favourites for the tie, especially with a player like Knockaert in their ranks.
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