Alex Neil breaks down starting eleven decision in dominant Preston win – and whether Millwall defender was in consideration.

ALEX Neil explains why manager kept Millwall’s starting lineup same in their 2-0 victory over Preston North End.

The Lions were fantastic in midweek against Birmingham City, and Neil named the same starting eleven four days later at Deepdale.

Millwall dominated the contest, earning a well-deserved three points thanks to goals from Ryan Leonard and substitute Luke Cundle.

Neil commented on his thoughts following the contest. “A couple of things,” Neil said. “The pitch undoubtedly contributed to it.

I believe the physicality of the game contributed to it.We had the bulk of physical players on the pitch who could deal with it and run.

Then, as the game progressed, we had players like Barry Bannan and others on the bench. But I just believed the game was better suited to Derek [Mazou-Sacko].

It was better suited for Luke [Cundle]. I was quite pleased with how well they performed when they came on.

Caleb Taylor, who had started eighteen of the previous nineteen league games, missed the win over Birmingham due to a foot injury and was once again absent from the matchday roster.

“If he’s not fully ready, we’re not going to risk him, particularly when we’re in decent form as it is,” Neil told me.

“If we felt we needed to put him at risk, we could talk about it. But I don’t think it’s necessary right now.”

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