Murciavs.Millwall

The Lions will pit their wits against third-tier opposition during their fifth game of the summer, with the Pimentoneros starting the long road to bounce back from last season's disappointing campaign.

Match preview

Real Murcia have endured a tumultuous journey throughout the Spanish footballing pyramid since the turn of the century, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona in La Liga as recently as 2008, before dropping down to the fourth tier for the first time in their history during the 2021-22 campaign.

The Pimentoneros achieved promotion from that lowly level at the first attempt via the playoffs in 2022, and the two seasons that have proceeded for the Spaniards have followed a similar pattern, with sixth and seventh-placed finishes in the third tier meaning that they missed out on the playoffs by four points on both occasions.

A run of only one win from their last quartet of league fixtures cost Real Murcia the opportunity to fight for promotion in the post-season picture, with a 3-1 defeat at Atletico Madrid on the final day signaling the end of Pablo Alfaro's reign in charge at Estadio Enrique Roca de Murcia.

After assuming control of the playing squad in late June, Fran Fernandez is now the man tasked with guiding the Pimentoneros back to La Liga 2 for the first time since 2014, with the 44-year-old enjoying a nomadic career in football management so far following his maiden appointment in 2006.

Murcia have been relatively busy during the summer window as they prepare for their third straight term in the third tier, bringing in six new faces to the squad, all of whom have arrived as free transfers.

For the first time in half a decade, Millwall finished outside of the top half of the Championship during the 2023-24 campaign, although it could have been a whole lot worse for the Londoners, who were under the stewardship of three separate managers at different points in the term.

The decision to part ways with long-serving coach Gary Rowett backfired early in the season as his successor Joe Edwards suffered an ill-fated reign, resulting in former boss Neil Harris being parachuted into the club during February, eventually guiding the Lions to a 13th-placed finish in England's second tier.

A statement 2-1 victory at St Mary's Stadium versus Southampton was the perfect start to Harris's third spell in charge of Millwall, who would go on to win eight of their final 13 Championship matches to finish a comfortable nine points ahead of Birmingham City in 21st.

The Lions have targeted the spine of their team for improvements so far this summer, recruiting Japhet Tanganga on a permanent deal from Tottenham Hotspur following his loan spell last term, whilst lower league hotshot Macaulay Langstaff has joined from Notts County for a six-figure fee.

The arrival of the 27-year-old could allow Zian Flemming to carry less of the creative burden this season, with the Flying Dutchman netting seven goals and providing five assists in the Championship during 2023-24, meaning that he topped the charts for both major attacking metrics at Millwall.

Millwall friendly form:

Team News

With Real Murcia's competitive action kicking off in late August, we are expecting an XI mixed with experience and youth against Millwall on Friday morning.

The Pimentoneros could hand a number of first-team debuts to arriving stars, including forward Pedro Benito, who joined from second-tier outfit Albacete.

Finding the net in the 2-1 loss to Nottingham Forest earlier this week, Millwall's Aidomo Emakhu will be looking to strengthen his case for regular competitive minutes with another solid performance in this one.

There is set to be a battle between the sticks to see who gains the status of first-choice goalkeeper for the Lions, with Liam Roberts and Lukas Jensen the main candidates.

Harris is likely to utlise the majority of his travelling party for this match, so expect plenty of changes during the second half in Murcia.

Real Murcia possible starting lineup:

Gazzaniga; Mier, Gonzalez, Jaso, Cadete; Boateng, Gomez, Larrea; Benito, Leon, Carillo

Millwall possible starting lineup:

Roberts; Wallace, Cooper, Tanganga, Byran; Saville, De Norre, Emakhu, Flemming, Nisbet; Langstaff

We say: Real Murcia 0-2 Millwall

After facing off against Premier League opposition earlier in the week, Millwall should be fully capable of controlling a contest with Real Murcia on Friday morning.

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