Norwich City column: Canaries will need to stand up to the physical challenge for a pivotal game with Millwall

The time has come for Norwich City to enter the lion’s den in what could prove to be a pivotal day in the hunt for a play-off place.

David Wagner’s side travel to Millwall knowing that three points would lift them above their hosts and into the top six for the first time since January.

Of course, the fate of this campaign will not be decided in south east London tomorrow afternoon, but it’s hard to escape the supposition that a victory would be a significant step towards achieving our ultimate goal. Likewise, a defeat would represent a hefty blow to our chances.

I don’t mean any disrespect when I say this, but you know what you are going to get from Millwall.

They’re big, strong, direct – and will look to get in our faces at any given opportunity. Key to escaping with a win will be standing up to that physical challenge and matching their impressive work-rate.

But it’s also important that we use the ball well. Kenny McLean and Gabriel Sara have excelled as a midfield duo in recent weeks – and will need to continue that form. The latter has been particularly impressive, notching a second goal in four games in the 2-0 win over Cardiff last weekend.

Also on the scoresheet was debutant and fellow Brazilian Marquinhos, who will have a big role to play between now and the end of the season.

Marquinhos was selected to take the place of Kieran Dowell, who is unfortunately set for a spell on the sidelines after picking up a knee injury. It’s a bitter pill to swallow for Dowell, who was starting to establish himself as a key man for Wagner.

However, the Arsenal loanee produced an impressive display, also providing the assist for Sara’s goal.

Clearly a young man with a lot of talent, the challenge for Marquinhos is to show that on a consistent basis.

For the sake of our promotion aims, let’s hope he’s up for it.