Southampton vs Millwall Preview, Prediction, Odds and Betting Tips
Southampton vs Millwall Preview
Fourth-placed Southampton will host struggling Millwall at the St. Mary’s Stadium in the EFL Championship on Saturday, February 24.
The hosts enter this contest on the back of a decent run of form. They have won four and lost two of their last six games across competitions. In that time, the Saints have netted an impressive 14 times but have also conceded eight. Their last game was a disappointing 2-1 defeat at home against Hull City, with Joe Aribo’s late goal proving a mere consolation. However, Russell Martin and his men were ready to set the record straight and get back to winning ways.
The visitors, on the other hand, find themselves stuck in a rut. They are winless in their last eight across competitions, drawing one and losing seven. In this phase, they have conceded a worrying 18 goals and scored just five as they are just a point off the relegation zone. Millwall’s last game was a 2-1 defeat to 10-man Sheffield Wednesday at home as they put in another meek attacking display. With just 13 games left in the season, they knew they needed wins soon to have a chance of staying up.
That said, let’s take a look at the team news coming out of both camps.
Southampton vs Millwall Team News
Southampton
Manager Martin will have a largely fit and available squad for Southampton vs Millwall. However, two players will definitely miss out. Juan Larios (unknown) and Ross Stewart (muscle injury) will be unavailable for the next one.
Meanwhile, five players are at the risk of being suspended for a game, having picked up too many bookings this season. Midfielders Stuart Armstrong and Joe Aribo, forwards Che Adams and Ryan Fraser, along with defender Jack Stephens, are all on four yellow cards. Should any of them pick up one more, that player will be suspended for one game.
Millwall
Millwall sacked manager Joe Edwards following eight winless games, with Neil Harris set to take over. Considering his first game in-charge will be against a team in the top four, things could get tricky for the new boss.
However, the biggest positive is the squad is injury free and everyone is available to play. Five players risk suspension for excessive bookings, though. Zian Flemming, Ryan Longman, Wes Harding, Danny McNamara and Brooke Norton-Cruffy are all on four yellow cards. They will be suspended for one game should they pick up another.
Predicted Lineups
Here are the Southampton vs Millwall lineups:-
Southampton
Having tweaked the formation to a 4-4-2 from a 4-3-3 in last week’s defeat to Hull, Martin will likely return to the previous shape. His team was set up that way and defeated West Brom 2-0 last week.
Predicted XI: Gavin Bazunu (GK), Kyle Walker-Peters, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Jan Bednarek, Jack Stephens (C), Shea Charles, Will Smallbone, Stuart Armstrong, Adam Armstrong, Sekou Mara, Ryan Fraser.
ALSO READ: Sheffield Wednesday vs Bristol City Preview, Prediction and Betting Tips.
Millwall
The club have been switching between a 3-4-2-1 and a more attacking 3-4-3 in recent weeks, but neither have facilitated a change in results. New manager Harris will be under great scrutiny but is likely to maintain the shape the team are used to playing in.
Predicted XI: Matija Sarkic (GK), Ryan Leonard, Japhet Tanganga, Jake Cooper (C), Danny McNamara, George Honeyman, Casper De Norre, Murray Wallace, Romain Esse, Tom Bradshaw, Zian Flemming.
Head-to-Head Record
The two sides have faced each other just a handful of times since the turn of the millennium. However, the Saints have come out on top more often than not.
With three wins to Millwall’s one across the last five meetings, Southampton are clear favourites for this game based on history.
- Millwall 0-1 Southampton (11/23)
- Millwall 0-2 Southampton (08/14)
- Millwall 2-3 Southampton (03/12)
- Southampton 2-3 Millwall (02/12)
- Millwall 1-1 Southampton (01/12)
Prediction
Despite falling to a defeat in their last game at home, Southampton have done well this season and are close to the top of the table. They will look to get back to winning ways with another strong performance.
Meanwhile, Millwall desperately need a win and could have a new manager bounce against the Saints. However, on-field quality speaks and their opponents could have too much for them.
Prediction: Southampton 2-1 Millwall.
Southampton vs Millwall Betting Tips
Southampton vs Millwall has seen both teams score in five of the eight meetings between the clubs since 2009. However, just two of those games have seen three or more goals scored, with this fixture historically proving to be low scoring.
The Saints have seen three or more goals in four of their last five games, while Millwall has seen three or more in two of their last five.
- Both Teams to Score – Yes: 1.94
- Over 2.5 Goals – Yes: 1.67
- Southampton to Score in First Half – Yes: 1.51
Southampton vs Millwall Odds
- Southampton Win: 1.36
- Draw: 5.00
- Millwall Win: 8.50
Southampton vs Millwall Timings & Telecast
- Date & Time: Saturday, February 24th at 3:00 PM (GMT).
- India: FanCode app & website.
- UK: Sky Sports.
- US: ESPN+, Hulu.
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