With the 2018/19 Championship season drawing ever closer, Football League World previews Millwall ahead of the new campaign…

Key Player: George Saville

When George Saville was on form, Millwall were on form, such was his importance to the team last season.

The Lions’ best spells were when the former Wolves midfielder was at his best, and he was one of the main reasons for the London side becoming the Championship's surprise package last season.

Neil Harris’ men finished eighth on their return to the second-tier after League One play-off success the previous year.

The 25-year-old scored ten goals from midfield, the first man in the middle of the park to do so for Millwall since a certain Tim Cahill.

Saville averaged 30.9 passes per game, which considering Millwall’s style of play, is impressive, with a 71.5 per cent accuracy - also averaging one key pass per game.

The midfielder executed 128 tackles, which was the second-best return in the division and was named in the WhoScored.com  Championship team of the year.

It will be interesting to see if Saville is able to repeat his impressive contribution to the Lions' cause as he and they look to emulate their surprise efforts this coming season.

One to Watch: Rob Harvey

The 18-year-old signed from Brightlingsea Regent who play in the Bostik Premier Division where the winger had been for two seasons.

Harvey has been signed primarily for the U23 side at The Den after signing a one-year deal.

There was plenty of interest from EFL clubs for the young man’s signature but having trained with the Lions last season and staying in contact with the club, Millwall was Harvey’s preferred choice.

The 18-year-old is calm and competent on the ball with an eye for goal.

If this youngster is able to show the form that got manager Neil Harris to sign him, there is no reason as to why the teenager couldn’t be involved in the first-team next season.

On that basis, he is certainly one to watch - not just for this season, but for years to come.

Odds: 16/1

With a budget the size of Millwall’s the bookies will always have the Lions down as one of the outsiders for promotion - and the odds reflect that.

Harris’ men are shorter odds for relegation to League One than promotion to the top-flight.

But Millwall and their fans like being the underdog. Keeping a low profile and staying under the radar is the perfect place for the Lions to be.

The odds don’t reflect the barnstorming season the London club have just had but the odds are enough that they have plenty of room to prove people wrong and show that the deadly second season syndrome won’t be affecting them.