Crawley Town v Millwall: Yems 'can't wait to get going' in Carabao Cup clash

Crawley manager John Yems was looking ahead to the return to football this weekend, and was pleased with how the team have prepared.

He said: “Preparation’s been very good, it’s gone well and we can’t wait to get going”.

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Crawley have played three games in pre-season as players get back to fitness, beating Crystal Palace’s under-23s and drawing with the under-23 sides of Tottenham Hotspur and Watford. Yems was also impressed by his players’ performances in these friendlies and claims he has no injury worries ahead of this weekend.

"They were very good. Good workout, for fitness we’re trying to get as many minutes in our legs and without picking up any injuries, so all good,” he said.

Last year the Reds enjoyed a remarkable run in the Carabao Cup, with giant-killing victories over Stoke City and Norwich City, and Yems believes the competition is very important for the club.

He said: “I wasn’t here last year, but it’s very important to me. Every game’s important and I want to win it.”

This year’s first round draw gives Crawley the chance to defy the odds in the Carabao Cup again when they face Gary Rowett’s Millwall, and Yems appreciates the challenge that the Lions will present. He said “They are a Championship club, one of the best clubs in the English Football League in my opinion, and it’s going to be a very tough game, and I expect nothing less.”

This will be only Crawley’s second ever competitive match with Millwall, after they met in the League Cup in August 2012, with Crawley winning on penalties after drawing 2-2 at the Den, and they will have to repeat that feat at home if they are to enjoy another Carabao Cup run this season.