DERBY DAYS

Millwall are second only to Norwich City in the Coca-Cola League 1 form guide going into the weekend matches having taken 14 points from a possible 18 in their last six matches. That run of form has taken them up to seventh in the league table and Lions boss Kenny Jackett is keen to ensure that the players are kept grounded in order to extend that run of form with a result at Griffin Park.

Jackett told Lions Player: "I was particularly pleased with Monday's result and performance. We were in Tuesday morning talking about Brentford and looking forward to rising to that challenge.

"It's important that we don't react too much to the pats on the back we're getting at the moment because you have to focus and make sure your mentality is right for what is coming up. It is a different type of game and a different set of challenges that you have to be ready for."

Brentford's form has been the opposite of the Lions, winning only once in October and Bees midfielder Marcus Bean knows his side face a tough task in their London derby.

Bean told www.brentfordfc.co.uk: "We know Millwall will bring a big support, we are raring to go.

"It will be good to get back in front of our own fans, we have put in our best performances at home. In this league it is important to do well at home, it takes pressure off when you go away.

"This period coming up will be crucial for us - we are looking forward to putting in some performances and showing everyone we deserve to be in this league."

BOUNCING BACK

Charlton Athletic have had a week to forget, knocked out of two cup competitions in four days there really is only the league for them to concentrate on now and after a faltering run of form in October that has seen Leeds United establish a seven point lead they have the perfect chance to bounce back when third placed Milton Keynes Dons come to The Valley.

Addicks' boss Phil Parkinson is expecting it to be a close encounter, just as their respective league positions would suggest.

"They're a good football team. They've got some technically gifted players and it's going to be a good game," he told www.cafc.co.uk.

"I imagine it will be an open game, similar to the Huddersfield one rather than the goalless draw with Oldham Athletic. I think they'll come and make a game of it, so hopefully it will be an entertaining one to watch with us coming out on top."

The Dons arrive fresh from their convincing win over Northampton Town in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy in midweek and the return to league action represents an opportunity for Paul Ince's side to climb above their hosts and put some pressure on leaders Leeds.

However the former Manchester United midfielder was keen to play down the significance of the match to MK Dons Player: "For me it is just another game but because of were we are in the league people are going to class it as a big game. We need to play the game and not the occasion.

"It's not a title decider, it's not going to change where we go come the end of the season. We have to play the way that I know we can and I believe we can go to Charlton and get something.

"It won't be easy, they are a Championship side playing in League 1 but we will go there with plenty of confidence."

WHAT'S ON THE BOX

Bottom of the table Wycombe Wanderers make the trip to the Galpharm Stadium for a Saturday lunchtime kick-off. The Chairboys have yet to win under new boss Gary Waddock, infact they have only one league win to their name all season and that came back in August, so the challenge of facing one of the divisions top scoring teams might not be one they'll relish.

However boss Waddock feels that pressure will all be on the home side going into the game, as he explained to www.wycombewanderers.co.uk: "They are an extremely good side; they've got a lot of quality and are very attack minded. We've got nothing to lose though and we can go up there nice and relaxed and play our style of football. It could be an end to end game."

"It's a big ask. Everyone expects us to go up there and get nothing but we'll be going up there to perform. If our performance is right then it gives us a chance. We are after a result.

"I want to compete in the game, go head-to-head with them and see what we can do. I'm looking forward to it."

With the game being broadcast on television the Terriers are doing all they can to attract a big gate down to the Galpharm with a special offer for season ticket holders to bring two friends for just £5, the club has also chosen the match to show their support for The Football League's chosen charity, Help for Heroes.

Talking to www.htafc.com Huddersfield Chairman Dean Hoyle commented: "We want to further our push for promotion with three points against Wycombe and you cannot underestimate the power that fans' backing has on the team. We want a sea of blue and white and want everyone to make as much noise as possible, so bring your scarves, shirts, coats - anything blue and white!

"As everyone knows, we are also showing our support for the Armed Forces this weekend and the charity 'Help for Heroes', with the Yorkshire Regiment giving both teams a guard of honour ahead of kick-off and performing a drum presentation at half-time. I want everyone watching on TV to see how much is going on at Huddersfield Town."

Buoyed by the cup victory over Charlton in midweek, Southampton will have their sights set on climbing out of the bottom four on Sunday when they welcome Brighton & Hove Albion, and their new manager Gus Poyet, to St Mary's.

The 2-1 win over the Addicks in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy was the Saints seventh win in eight matches in all competitions since the start of October and that sort of form will soon see them climb the League 1 table.

Alan Pardew told www.saintsfc.co.uk "That's what it's all about, a winning attitude and a winning mentality.

"I've got a nice problem for Sunday, and someone will be disappointed, but it's nicer to be left out when you're winning than when you're losing.

"I think we've played a lot better than that but it's a good performance and we go to Brighton now and are looking forward to that."

The match will be the first match in charge for Poyet and the former Chelsea man has made it clear to the Brighton players this week what he is expecting from them, as striker Nicky Forster explained to www.seagulls.co.uk:

"We have a new manager so we're all competing for our places. We're all starting off again on a level field.

"He said this morning he won't be introducing any more players to the squad until he's had a good look at what he's got here.

"So we all know where we stand: we've all been given a chance - it's now up to all of us as individuals to take it."

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