Millwall Football Club begins its Championship campaign with a trip to Ashton Gate to face Bristol City, who have confirmed key players Yu Hirakawa, Emil Riis, and new signing Rio Cardines are available for selection. The Lions, who finished third last season with 83 points (24W-11D-11L), will look to build on their strong form (LDWDW) against a Robins side coming off a Carabao Cup defeat to Walsall.
Bristol City manager Michael Skubala revealed that Yu Hirakawa and Emil Riis, who missed pre-season due to injuries, are now fit enough for selection, though they may not play the full 90 minutes. New signing Rio Cardines, a 20-year-old Trinidad and Tobago international on loan from Crystal Palace, is also in contention to debut. Skubala noted the squad has "a couple of niggles" but emphasized the depth of his team after recent signings.
The Robins struggled in pre-season, losing to Walsall in the Carabao Cup and failing to progress to the second round. However, Skubala remains optimistic, highlighting the progress of Hirakawa and Riis, who returned as substitutes against Walsall. Six of Bristol City’s nine summer signings made their debuts in that match, including goalkeeper Sam Tickle and forward Lorent Tolaj.
Millwall enters the season as a strong Championship contender after finishing 12 points behind leaders Coventry last year. With key players like T. Crama, M. Ivanovic, and D. Mazou-Sacko currently sidelined, manager Alex Neil will need his squad to step up. The Lions scored 64 goals last season while conceding 49, and their defensive resilience will be tested against Bristol City’s forward-minded lineup.
Cardines, a versatile full-back capable of playing on either flank, joins on loan from Premier League side Crystal Palace. Skubala praised his "power and explosiveness," noting his ability to contribute both offensively and defensively. The youngster’s arrival adds depth to Bristol City’s backline, which will be key in a competitive Championship season.
