Millwall were triumphant on the opening day of the season against Bristol City, and Alex Neil would have learnt a lot from his team.
Millwall have started the 2025/26 season with a win. The Lions beat Bristol City 2-0 at Ashton Gate to make it two losses in a row for Michael Skubala.
A red card to Adam Randell later in the first half was the start of a disappointing day for the Robins. Millwall capitalised just five minutes after, with Josh Coburn tapping in after a mistake from Sam Tickle.
The Lions then started the second half on the front foot, with Coburn once again finding the back of the net with a header from close range to seal all three points. Alex Neil has plenty of positives he can take into the rest of the campaign.
Josh Coburn can fire Millwall into promotion contention
Millwall were the lowest scorers out of the top eight teams last campaign, and it’s a problem that needed addressing this summer. The Lions weren’t helped by the consistent injuries to Coburn last term.
The 23-year-old did score nine league goals during the 2025/26 season but only featured in 26 games. His absence put a lot of pressure on Mihailo Ivanovic, who mostly failed to deliver. However, after his strong start against Bristol City, he can focus on leading Neil’s side for a full term.
If Coburn can repeat his performance against the Robins throughout the current campaign while remaining fit, Millwall are certain to be promotion contenders. The Lions simply have to give their frontman the service, and the former Middlesbrough man will deliver.
Millwall’s midfield has levelled up
Randell’s red card after 36 minutes certainly helped the Lions control the midfield. Jenson Metcalfe and Casper De Norre did exceptionally well in the middle of the park even before the sending-off.
There were times when Millwall were caught open in central areas due to both players advancing aggressively. However, there is certainly potential for that midfield pairing to be Neil’s go-to.
Dan Kelly featured for the last 10 minutes and looked solid, as did Luke Cundle, who appeared for the last half an hour. The Lions midfield has been bolstered this summer and with Derek Mazou-Sacko and Mathis Servais still to return from injury, there’s no surprise why they are expected to contend for a top-eight finish this season.
Kyrell Lisbie can make up for potential Femi Azeez absence
After just 30 minutes, Femi Azeez was substituted for Kyrell Lisbie with a suspected hamstring problem. The 25-year-old has been subject to plenty of interest in 2026, and his future remains uncertain with two weeks left of the summer transfer window.
Whether or not Millwall can retain Azeez past the deadline, Neil can relax knowing Lisbie can bring a similar impact on the pitch. Whilst playing on the opposite wing, the summer arrival from Peterborough United tormented Bristol City’s defence and already looks like a Championship-calibre player.
Kyrell Lisbie’s League One stats
The South London outfit’s recruitment in the last few years has mostly paid off. Although very early on in his Lions’ career, the 22-year-old could be another genius piece of recruitment.
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