Millwall’s 2004 hero bids to return Lions to Emirates FA Cup Final

Few players have enjoyed hero status at Millwall quite like Neil Harris does. The 39-year-old scored 139 goals in 432 games for the south-east London club, before going on to manage the Under-21s and now the first-team.

Harris was an integral part of the Millwall side that reached the FA Cup Final back in 2004, as they became only the second team from outside the top flight of English football to reach the final since 1982.

And while that experience will benefit him, it’s far from the only reason why he could repeat the feat with the current Lions crop.

Tottenham away is admittedly a very tough draw, but Millwall have already beaten three Premier League sides on the bounce in this season’s Emirates FA Cup…without conceding a single goal.

So, having brushed aside Bournemouth (3-0), Watford and last season’s Prem winners Leicester City already this season, why not Spurs? After all, the Lions’ counter-attacking gameplan, neat passing football and defensive strength have shown they can more than match some of the country’s top sides.

For their part, Spurs have already had a shock exit from one competition in 2017 – having been knocked out of the Europa League by Gent. And having exited this competition at home to Leicester and Crystal Palace in each of the last two seasons, White Hart Lane is hardly a fortress in this tournament.

If Harris’ charges are to make it through, they’ll have to improve on their last Wembley visit, when he himself led the line – a Football League Trophy defeat to Wigan Athletic back in 1999.

But, obviously, this is a totally different Lions side. And one with plenty of goalscoring threat. Both of Aiden O’Brien and Lee Gregory are on double figures for goals this season, meaning Spurs – and any further cup opponents – are likely to have their hands full.

Tottenham are 2/13 favourites for victory, with a Millwall victory priced at 18/1 and 13/2 for a draw after 90 minutes.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing