We spoke to John Kelly, sports editor of the Southwark News, who gave us the lowdown on Reading’s next opponents ahead of Saturday’s clash.

With Millwall sitting in eighth - what is the mood among supporters at the moment?

Very good. They’ve been very impressed with Gary Rowett, not just his impact on results but the way he speaks about players, games, the club. There is a sense among fans that with a couple of good signings Millwall could maintain a push for the play-offs.

That’s big bonus territory, with Championship status all but assured for another season.

What has been the reason for such a strong start to the season?

It’s been recent form more than the start. When Neil Harris left after 10 games they were nineteenth having not won in seven.

Caretaker Adam Barrett took the reins for three games and got four points, including beating Leeds which always makes Millwall fans very happy.

Since Rowett took over, Millwall have lost just two out of 14 games. They hadn’t won away in the league under Harris, but have won three of the last six on the road. Lots of players have mentioned the new ideas, and away a switch to a 5-2-3 formation has worked.

Two former Royals, Alex Pearce and Jake Cooper, are consistently playing in the heart of your defence. How have they performed this season?

They’ve been excellent and a big part of that away run with Millwall conceding just three goals in those games. Cooper recently passed 100 consecutive league starts, just the 12th Lion to achieve that.

Every player I’ve spoken to has praised Pearce for his leadership. In fact, they gush praise about him.

However, as good as he’s also been on the pitch, he actually might not start this weekend. I mentioned 5-2-3 away from home and Rowett started with that at home to Luton. Millwall were poor and a goal down when Pearce was taken off in the 42nd minute for striker Tom Bradshaw.

It was no reflection on Pearce, but Millwall came back to win 3-1. In the second half Pearce was on the bench encouraging players, and afterwards went around the dressing room saying well done. Another example of his character.

What can Reading expect from Millwall on Saturday?

Following on from the last answer, formation-wise it could be 5-2-3 or 4-4-2. If Pearce is left out then Matt Smith could come in, he’s got five goals and three assists in 11 Den appearances this season. Rowett has Millwall playing better on the ball, less direct, but they won’t be afraid to hit Smith early.

Jed Wallace has been excellent this season, and scored against Reading this season, so expect plenty of direct running from him.

Prediction?

They’re almost better suited to playing away when they can sit in and counter. When they’re expected to take the game more to opponents at home they lack a bit of creativity. 1-1.