Millwall again, not what it's supposed to be but what it can be

I'm looking forward to the match today. We might see a new record written and top six might be as good as confirmed. Two things might happen. When I have bets when I want two things to happen, as you know, they don't always play out the way I'd like.

And that isn't the only reason why I'm a little unsure about today. Millwall might be sitting one place above the relegation zone but for some reason, I don't go into the game with the confidence maybe we should have.

And it's about the past, not about where we are. I don't have fond memories of Millwall and they need the points more than we do.

But with all that written, if we play the way we have and if our players approach the game the same way and we continue to give everything, then I see no reason why we shouldn't win today. But now we need three things to happen.

What happens next

But I'm fairly sure top six is in the bag and I don't think there is any harm in talking about what happens next. Third and fourth play fifth and sixth respectively and the final at Wembley is on May 27th. And it just so happens, I'll be in London on that day.

And I don't think, all things factored in, that it's wrong of me to think about that day. If we have the right manager, it's about two matches and we do have the best squad in the Championship. And if Steve Bruce can get us to the final.

Today

But we have to put all those dreams to one side for a few hours. We need those three things today to play out first because winning is infectious and habit forming. We can't take our eye off the prize and it's as much about winning every game now as it is waiting for the play-offs. Kick-off is early today, so I'll be back after an early lunch.

Match facts from the BBC

• Aston Villa are winless in four matches against Millwall in all competitions, not having beaten them since a League Cup third-round tie in October 1990.
• Millwall, who won 2-1 at The Den in October, in Villa's first game following the sacking of Steve Bruce, have won six of their last nine league matches against Villa.
• Villa and Millwall have not met on Easter Monday since April 1973, when they drew 1-1 in the old Second Division.
• Including play-offs, Aston Villa are winless in their last 11 Championship matches against London opposition - three of which have been against Millwall.
• Villa have won four home matches in a row, having won just four of their previous 12 under Dean Smith in all competitions.
• Millwall have scored four first-half goals in their past five away league games - one more than in their previous 18.