Tanganga in: The Ideal Millwall starting XI v Watford on August 10th | OneFootball

This is the team we would like to see Harris field against Watford on the opening day of the season.

Millwall will start their first full season under the second reign of Neil Harris on 10th August against Watford – a campaign in which they will look to build on a strong end to last term, where the Lions won six in a row at the end.

The first game of a new season will throw up some interesting decisions for Neil Harris to make when it comes to a starting XI.

We've looked at players from the current squad and realistic transfer targets to outline an ideal starting line up for the game against the Hornets.

Harris’ tactical approach will focus on defensive solidity and quick transitions and this XI reflects just that.

GK: Joe Wildsmith

Millwall are without a starting goalkeeper for the upcoming season, due to the release of Bartosz Bialkowski coupled with the unfortunate passing of Matija Sarkic last month.

Therefore, there is no doubt high up on the Millwall shopping list will be a new number one.

Joe Wildsmith is, as of 1st July, a free agent, meaning that Millwall can obtain his services with no transfer fee. Wildsmith started 31 league games for The Rams last season and became a key player for them. He is now looking for a new club, which may entice the Lions to attempt the move.

LB: Joe Bryan

Ex-Fulham and Bristol City left-back Joe Bryan has had a difficult time adjusting to his time at The Den, with an injury-stained first season affecting his performances majorly.

However, even in a struggling side, the Bristolian still managed to average 2.8 tackles per 90 minutes, making him within the top 12% among left-backs across the 14 men's divisions tracked by FBref, despite most of his game time coming from a disappointing Joe Edwards side.

CB: Jake Cooper

The skipper.

Whilst Jake Cooper was not exempt from criticism in the previous campaign, especially as part of Edwards' demanding system, where Cooper's lack of passing ability was exposed as Edwards attempted to co-ordinate the Lions to pass the ball out from the back.

However, with Harris' arrival, Cooper's form went back to what Millwall fans know he is capable of, winning aerial duels left, right, and centre whilst also being allowed to be the no-nonsense central defender where all Lions' fans know he can excel.

ooper will once again most likely operate in this role, whilst taking the armband for the new season.

CB: Japhet Tanganga

Whilst talk of Japhet Tanganga rejoining the Lions has gone quieter recently, the ex-Tottenham defender is now a free agent, with his Spurs contract having expired on 1st July 2024.

Whilst this will naturally attract lots of clubs across Europe to the 25-year-old, Millwall will fancy their chances in tempting him to The Den due to the Englishman becoming a somewhat fan favourite in Bermondsey after playing a huge role in Millwall's survival last season.

Tanganga more than played his part – with the defender placing in the top 3% among centre-backs in FBref's 14 divisions, averaging 1.86 per 90 minutes played.

The Englishman also managed to average 3.14 aerial duels won per game.

Though the centre-back is now a free agent, this will not be an easy deal for Millwall to secure.

RB: Ryan Leonard

Forced to play at right-back last season, Ryan Leonard was imperative for Millwall, through thick and thin.

Despite it not being his natural position, Leonard won Millwall Fans' Player of the Season by a considerable margin, meaning that he will most likely reprise this role in Harris' team next term.

Across FBref's 14 divisions, Leonard was in the top 8% for tackles for players at his position, with the Englishman recording 2.95 tackles per 90. In addition to this, the 32-year-old also accumulated an impressive 1.93 aerial duels won per game, placing himself within the top 7%.

CM: Casper De Norre

Casper "The Ghost of Bermondsey" De Norre showed glimpses of being Millwall's most talented player in central midfield.

The Belgian midfielder showed a cool head on the ball, coupled with a steely determination to win the ball back if he ever did lose it.

Despite the Lions having a disappointing campaign, De Norre shone in games where very few would, with the Belgian averaging 6.57 progressive passes per game, placing himself within the top 19% for midfielders across FBref's 14 divisions.

De Norre will be hoping to play more of a role in Harris' side this season, as he was dropped towards the end of last campaign due to Harris preferring Mitchell.

CM: George Saville

George Saville has always been something of a staple within modern-day Millwall teams, and is no doubt one of the Lions' most consistent players, operating as a box-to-box midfielder, and plays with grit and determination with every Lions performance.

Saville made 40 appearances for The Lions last season, making six goal contributions in the process.

Since arriving in Bermondsey for his second spell at the club in 2021, the midfielder has played a part in 119 out of a possible 138 games for the Lions.

AM: Zian Flemming

Once again, Zian "The Bermondsey Bergkamp" Flemming showed where he gets his name from in the Championship for Millwall last season, despite not having the same level of performances as the previous season - the Dutchman still accumulated 12 goal contributions in the Championship.

Amidst rumours of him moving away from The Den, Flemming will most certainly be a coup for any Championship club to sign.

However, if the Lions can keep hold of the Dutchman, there is no doubt that he will play a huge part in their attempt to once again push for a play-off spot.

LW: Aidomo Emakhu

Aidomho Emakhu has struggled to break into the Millwall side, due to his place being taken up by loanee Ryan Longman last season.

However, this season represents the Ireland youth international with a huge opportunity to break in.

Emakhu's cameo performances have won the Den faithful over from last season.

However, the forward started just six times for the Lions in the league, with the 20-year-old getting one goal and one assist in that time.

ST: Macaulay Langstaff

After reports of a bid for the man who holds the record for the most goals in a National League season, Millwall are clearly interested in bringing Macaulay Langstaff to The Den.

Whilst it may be a huge step-up for the Teesside-born striker, it feels that this is a necessary step for his career, seeing as he has scored a staggering 70 goals in his past two seasons in the league alone.

If Millwall can secure his services from Notts County, there is no doubt that the goals will follow him, surely?

Langstaff has made no comment on the rumours of his Millwall links, which could hint that he is considering taking the step up to the second tier.

RW: Romain Esse

Similarly to Emakhu, this season promises to be a big one for the future and development of Romain Esse.

The teenager will be hoping to break into the squad, due to his pace and ability to pick a pass winger has been tipped for big things in the coming years, and will be looking to make this year the one that he begins to fulfill his potential, after impressing at England youth level.