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Three To Watch: Millwall (A)

Jack Simpson takes a look at three players from tonight’s opponents to keep an eye on.

Millwall v Reading - Sky Bet Championship
Garath McCleary battles for possesion during the last meeting between Reading and Millwall
Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images

Shaun Hutchinson

Shaun Hutchinson arrived at Millwall having completed a move from Fulham on a free transfer in July 2016.

Playing at centre-back, the 26 year old has gone onto to be one of the first names on manager Neil Harris’ teamsheet having started in all of Millwall’s league games so far this season.

With an average of 9.1 blocks so far this season, Hutchinson is a no nonsense defender who will put his body on the line for his side.

Lastly, Hutchinson has been part of a Millwall defence that has kept three impressive clean sheets against Bristol City, Norwich and Leeds. Which could lead to another frustration night for Reading’s strikers.

Millwall v AFC Bournemouth - The Emirates FA Cup Third Round Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images

George Savile

The 24 year old is the new signing at Millwall having completed a move from Wolves in the summer.

However, Wolves’ loss appears to be Millwall’s gain. The centre midfielder, born in nearby Camberley, has hit the ground running at his new club with three goals and one assist to his name.

Saville is very much an all-rounder. He is a good passer of the ball, who on his day can dictate the play in his sides favour, but he also has the combative, disruptive qualities required from someone who plays in his position. He has averaged nearly twice as many successful tackles per game as any Reading player this season (3.3), as well as making 1.8 interceptions per game. So far, Saville is Millwall’s highest-rated player, with an average match rating of 7.33 out of 10.

With the former Wolves man in decent form this season, the Reading midfield will need to man mark Savile tightly and stop him causing problems for the Royals.

Millwall v Ipswich Town - Sky Bet Championship Photo by James Chance/Getty Images

Jed Wallace

The final player that Reading fans should keep an eye on is Jed Wallace.

Like George Saville, Wallace is the new signing at the New Den having a completed a permanent switch from Wolves following a successful loan spell.

Since joining on a three year contract, the right winger has made a decent start to life at the New Den with three goals and one assist to his name.

He’s not a player that is likely to bombard the box with crosses, averaging just 1.2 per game. That hints at a more direct style, giving Tyler Blackett plenty to think about.

Secondly, Wallace has so far managed to average 3.3 shots per game and with Reading not keeping a clean-sheet since the 2-0 win over Birmingham at the end of August. The Reading defence will need to tighten up, if they are to keep this talented player quiet.

Therefore this means that the 23 year-old who was born in Reading could hold the key in deciding who comes out on top with three points later this evening.

Millwall v Northampton Town - Sky Bet League One Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images