Millwall

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Fifth hosts fourth on Saturday lunchtime (12:30 GMT) as in-form Preston head to Millwall.

The Lilywhites battled to a 2-1 win over Swansea on Wednesday night to make it three straight wins and climb one point and one place above the Lions.

Alex Neil's men were humbled 4-0 at Birmingham on Tuesday and have now taken a single point from their past two games after a four-match winning run before that.

• Millwall are unbeaten in each of their past 12 league meetings with Preston North End (W7 D5), and are only currently on a longer active unbeaten streak against Charlton Athletic (13).

• Preston North End have only won one of their past nine away games against the Lions in league competition (D3 L5), winning 3-1 in February 2019 thanks to goals from Andrew Hughes, Tom Clarke and Sean Maguire inside the opening 30 minutes.

• Millwall were beaten 4-0 in midweek against Birmingham City; their second four-goal defeat of the season, having also lost 4-0 to Coventry last month – it is the first time the Lions have suffered multiple defeats by at least four goals in a league campaign since 2014-15: 1-5 v Middlesbrough and 1-6 vs Norwich.

• Preston North End have won each of their past three Championship matches, just one fewer victory than they had managed in their previous 19 league games (W4 D7 L8).

• Former North End and now Millwall boss Alex Neil is unbeaten in his three home games against Paul Heckingbottom in the Football League, with each of those games coming against a different team: Preston 1-1 Barnsley in September 2017, Preston 3-1 Leeds United in April 2018 and Stoke City 3-1 Sheffield United in October 2022.

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Millwall head coach Alex Neil admitted his side "didn't do enough" as they suffered their first away defeat in the Championship this season.

They went down 4-0 to Birmingham City and Neil told BBC London: "We just weren't good enough on the evening. We've been good across most of the season so far, but tonight was a real disappointment for us.

"Timings of goals are always important. Conceding in the 45th minute and in the 48th minute is just horrendous timing. Just before half time, and just after half time.

"Credit to Birmingham, they were the better side, they deserved to win, we just didn't do enough"

"When goals go in, they get their tails up, the crowd gets behind them, our lads are a bit deflated, and that point I just wanted to make sure we didn't concede any more stupid goals, and keep some fresh legs for the weekend."

The Lions are at home to Preston North End in their next league game on Saturday.

Birmingham City are back at St Andrew's on Tuesday as they look to stop high-flyers Millwall (19:45 GMT).

Blues will be full of confidence after their 4-0 demolition of Portsmouth on Saturday, knowing a win can move them within three points of the visitors.

The Lions come into this one with fresh injury concerns after Femi Azeez and Ryan Leonard suffered knocks in the draw at Oxford on Saturday but will be hoping to return to winning ways.

• Birmingham City have won just one of their past 11 league meetings with Millwall (D6 L4), winning 1-0 on the road in April 2023 through Lukas Jutkiewicz.

• Millwall are unbeaten in each of their past eight away league games against Birmingham City, though each of the past five have all ended level (W3) – the Lions have only ever gone on a longer run without loss on the road to Watford (10 between 1958 and 1991), but they have never drawn six in a row to the same side.

• Birmingham City won all seven of their midweek (Tue/Wed/Thu) home games in League One last season and conceded just once, before drawing 2-2 in their first this season to Sheffield Wednesday in September – their past such defeat in the league came to Cardiff City in April 2024 (0-1).

• Millwall won their most recent midweek (Tue/Wed/Thu) away league game against Sheffield United in April, last winning back-to-back such matches in October/December 2021, when the first game also came against the Blades, before then beating Coventry.

• Jay Stansfield's first ever league start for Birmingham City came at home to Millwall in September 2023, netting his first goal at St Andrew's for the club in a 1-1 draw.

Nick Hart
Achtung! Millwall Podcast

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Saturday's last-gasp equaliser for Oxford and disappointing injuries to our talisman Femi Azeez and the experienced warhorse Ryan Leonard combine to send the Lions to St Andrew's tonight feeling slightly more deflated than might have otherwise been expected.

Unbeaten away from The Den, with four straight wins and sitting in fourth position, this is Millwall's best start to a season since the League One days of Kenny Jackett in 2008-09.

Alex Neil is a wily operator at Championship level and will take his depleted Lions to Birmingham with the same confidence that so nearly bagged a win at the Kassam Stadium.

'Nearly' is such a big word though, isn't it?

Injuries have bedevilled our season so far and Saturday's hard-fought grind of a game in the Oxfordshire rain hasn't helped on that front.

Brum will be on a high after their four-goal thumping of Portsmouth, so I'm expecting a 'backs to the wall' approach from Millwall tonight.

Team selection changes will be forced after a period of relative consistency so expect Wes Harding to start in place of Leonard on the right side of defence and possibly the pace of Aidomo Emakhu in Azeez's attacking midfield role.

The big question for me will be whether the enigmatic Camiel Neghli gets the creative 'number 10' role that many are calling for online.

I for one hope he does...

Find more from Nick Hart on Achtung! Millwall, external

Millwall head coach Alex Neil called his side's draw at Oxford "like a defeat" following a dramatic 2-2 stalemate.

The Lions were denied victory at the Kassam Stadium as the U's Przemyslaw Placheta struck a stoppage-time equaliser to snatch a 2-2 draw right at the death.

The result keeps the Lions unbeaten away from home but drops them to fourth in the Championship as they bid for promotion.

"I don't think we deserved to lose any points – I thought we were the better team," Neil told BBC Radio London.

"We're still unbeaten away from home, it's another point, but because of the nature of the match and the fact we deserved to win, it feels like a defeat."

"I'm not thinking about the table, but there's no getting away from that today – it's a sore one."

Millwall boss Alex Neil said that the club's position in the table will not make a difference to his influence on recruitment come the January window.

The Lions are currently third after an impressive start to the season, but they have been hit with multiple injuries to their squad.

However, Neil said he is not interested in dictating what deals need to be made once the transfer window reopens.

"At times I need to stop [Millwall owner] Jimmy [Berylson] if he wants to put more money in - if I'm being honest," Neil told BBC Radio London.

"It's not like I'm trying to convince Jimmy or Steve [Gallen, Millwall's director of football] or anybody else for that matter in terms of strengthening hands. That's not how we work. We work as a collective.

"I don't have any views of trying to strengthen. The simple fact is that I work within the constraints of what the club is and where we are.

"If Jimmy and Steve feel like we can go and add some players, and Jimmy is happy to put the money in, which he has been at every turn, then great. If he isn't, we will just crack on."

Millwall visit Oxford United on Saturday (15:00 GMT).

Listen to the full interview with Neil and more Millwall content on BBC Sounds.

Millwall will look to sustain their impressive run of form as they visit Oxford United on Saturday (15:00 GMT).

The Lions have won four successive games to place them just two points adrift of the top two, giving them their best ever start across their opening 12 games to a Championship campaign.

Hosts Oxford, however, will be seeking their first back-to-back win of the season to help them climb further away from the bottom three.

• Oxford United are unbeaten across their last three league games against Millwall (W2 D1), only once having a longer run against the Lions in EFL history – four matches between 1969 and 1970.

• Millwall remain unbeaten across their last five away league games against Oxford United, winning four of those matches and netting 2+ goals in each victory (D1).

• After beating Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 last time out, Oxford will be looking to win consecutive Championship matches for the first time since January earlier this year (30 matches played since).

• Millwall have won each of their last four league games and will be looking to win five in succession for the first time since their final five Championship fixtures of 2023-24.

• Millwall have won seven of their opening 12 Championship games this season (D2 L3), the most they've ever won at this stage of a second-tier campaign across club history.

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Will injuries wreck the dream? Will Millwall make the play-offs or could they go one step further and seal a return to the top flight for the first time in the Premier League era?

On the back of four straight wins which have lifted Alex Neil's side to third in the Championship, we asked you the following key questions:

• Can Millwall keep the momentum going this season?

• What do you think is key to sustaining a promotion push?

• Are there any areas you think need to be strengthened when the transfer window opens on 1 January?

As always, you've come back with a whole load of interesting answers and insights from your experiences of watching the Lions this season. Here are a selection:

Ben: Yes, defensively we are sound, [Tristan] Crama is the Millwall Maldini, the midfield and attack are finding their form, the depth on the bench is quality. When your only worry is who's playing in goal, that speaks volumes on how good the team actually is.

Mark: As a lifelong Millwall fan, perish the thought of the Lions getting promoted to the Premier League, unless somehow they can add a huge amount of strength and depth to the squad over the coming months. The current run is of course fantastic. But without lots more heft, Millwall would be destroyed in the top flight.

Al: I'm 79, been going to watch Millwall since age six with my dad, his brothers and my grandad. Now on my own, from Cold Blow Lane to The New Den, it's been a rollercoaster ride. It's the disappointments that hurt but the hope that keeps you going. It's going well now so let's just enjoy the journey; win, lose or draw COYL.

Bill: I think we're ahead of ourselves somewhat. Definitely improving at rapid pace under Alex Neil and summer recruitment brought in some surprise hits. Injuries are hurting us but the biggest worry is our lack of goals. Third in the table with a goal difference of +1 demonstrates the need for more goals to sustain this position.

Wilder: We had three big challenges that seemed to limit our potential form: goalscoring, home performances and injuries. After selling [Japhet] Tanganga, we had a ridiculous spate of injuries and, for a while, we struggled. But as players have come back in, namely [Femi] Azeez, and new players like [Thierno] Ballo have proven themselves, a lot of these challenges have been answered.

We're starting to win at home, and we're scoring goals. We're controlling games and not just nicking wins. As a lifelong Millwall fan, I will never say our current form will definitely continue, nor will I grow entitled. But it's nice to finally be firmly in the mix, and it's been coming year on year. COYL

Dave: The [Josh] Coburn miss at Turf Moor and missing out on the play-offs after a great run was gut-wrenching last year. But we wouldn't have been ready for the potential of playing in the Premier League.

The same is true of 2023 after the Blackburn game. Our new recruitment model of picking up obscure names means we've got a depth and a quality in depth we haven't had for years. In other seasons the amount of injuries we have had this year would mean we would have to call up youth players. Not anymore.

After a few disappointing performances, we've switched to a system that suits our players as well as Alex Neil suits the football club. We're third in the table with a combined three goals from our three centre forwards, so we've got more players chipping in with goals rather than depending on one or two players as we have done before.

The last piece of the jigsaw would be a prolific forward (easier said than done) with Coburn out injured and [Mihailo] Ivanovic out of form. If any season presents a chance for us to get promoted, it is this one.

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Kevin: Millwall are developing into a really balanced, skilful side. Azeez and Ivanovic are the key players going forward. If both are fit and on form there is a lot to look forward to.

Colin: To continue the momentum we need a striker who can get us 15 or more goals, Mihailo [Ivanovic] is low on confidence and Coburn is out for a while.

Otherwise, the squad is very decent. However, injuries are a concern with two very good midfielders out long term. Keeping Femi [Azeez] fit is a must, the guy is a Denzel Washington (man on fire!).

Elliott: I have been a Millwall fan all my life and I'm happy to say this season's squad is unbelievable, the way Alex Neil has changed our style of play is a godsend.

We now play sensible passing football, but this is still early days so we can't get ahead of ourselves because we're sitting in third. Let's take each game as it comes. I think we now look like a dangerous threatening team.

Philip: I have supported the Lions since 1967, and experienced many highs and even more lows. I cannot remember seeing a squad so confident and robust in those years.

Yes, we had the early '70s [Keith] Weller and possession era. We had the youthful and very talented side with [Tony] Cascarino and [Teddy] Sheringham. We have got to November and yet to have a fully fit squad with up to eight first-teamers out for a few weeks, however we have pulled together as one whilst playing some very good football at times.

I'm not one for getting over-confident but will say few will turn us over between now and May. That being the case, we can but dream of the outcome. Well done Alex Neil and our recruitment team.

Jim: Yes. I know we say it every year but this is our year to make a top six finish in the Championship. On the condition we don't get any more serious injuries.

Mark: We have the best chance in a long time to progress. I have supported Millwall since 1970, and seen some turbulent times.

We are more settled on and off the pitch, I'm loving it and my son is loving life as a Lions fan. If we can avoid any more injuries, I'm truly optimistic for promotion COYL.

Nick Hart
Achtung! Millwall Podcast

Image source, Getty Images

Four successive victories over decent level Championship opponents have propelled Millwall into serious top-six contenders.

Blimey, where did that come from?

After the injury-hit season we've had so far, this is some achievement by Alex Neil's squad.

Saturday's hard-fought win over Leicester City was typical of the Lions' 'tough team to play against' style, but it must also be said that we're able to play some very attractive, flowing football too.

The big question on all the pundits' lips is, how far can these Lions go?

Much will depend on keeping key players fit and healthy, not least our current talisman Femi 'Goal A Game' Azeez - who is on fire right now.

All I will say is that the ingredients are there for something special.

Special mention has to go to the defensive back-line, which was as solid as Fort Knox against the Foxes at the weekend.

Jake Cooper, Tristan Crama, Ryan Leonard and Zak Sturge largely restricted the visitors to long-range efforts or spectaculars - making a terrific platform for the attacking midfield to build on.

Perhaps the only off-key note was struck by Serbian striker Mihailo Ivanovic, who couldn't make that penalty count early in the second-half, giving us all in The Den an itchy and scratchy last 20 minutes.

But form is temporary and I'm sure 'Miha' will come good before too much longer.

Find more from Nick Hart on Achtung! Millwall, external.

Happy with your start to the season, Lions fans? Thought you might be.

Four straight wins, unbeaten on the road and just one defeat in the past eight games means Alex Neil's side sit third in the Championship after a dozen games, two points outside the automatic promotion places and four clear of the play-off chasing pack.

But can Millwall keep the momentum going this season? What do you think is key to sustaining a promotion push? Are there any areas you think need to be strengthened when the transfer window opens on 1 January?

We want to know everything...

Click here to have your say.

Come back to this page on Tuesday to find a selection of your replies.

Millwall boss Alex Neil was delighted with his side's performance after they sealed their fourth consecutive Championship victory with a 1-0 win against struggling Leicester City.

The Lions boss told BBC Radio London post-match: "I think we deserved to win the game. I thought over the piece, we carried the bigger threat.

"They're naturally going to have their moments; they are a good side, they have good players.

"I think once the first goal went in - we spoke about it half-time - it was always going to be about the next one.

"We had that opportunity with the penalty, it doesn't go in and it makes that next 20 to 25 minutes really tough because you need to dig in.

"The lads have been brilliant, right across pre-season and building into this. Even when we've had a set-back or two, they always respond, they always react, they're an unbelievable group to work with so, yeah, I feel very privileged at the moment."

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Millwall are only at the starting point of their season and are not looking too far ahead, says head coach Alex Neil.

The Lions have won their past three games to move up to third in the Championship table and host promotion favourites Leicester on Saturday (15:00 BST).

"We've given ourselves a really good starting point and can we go and build on that and win as many games as we can?," Neil told BBC Radio London.

"We certainly won't be getting carried away."

Millwall suffered a blow this week with midfielder Massimo Luongo ruled out for the rest of the season after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during last Saturday's 2-1 win at QPR.

They still have 35 league games remaining this season and Neil is remaining realistic about their chances.

"I've been in the Championship long enough and you can easily go a few weeks where you don't pick up any points so it's nice we've made a good start but that's all it is at this stage."

Millwall will look for a fourth successive league win as they welcome Leicester City on Saturday (15:00 BST).

A strong start to the season for the Lions sees them in the third spot on the table and while they wouldn't be able to break into the top two, they will certainly be looking to apply some pressure on those above.

Whereas Leicester City have had an underwhelming season so far, falling out of the top six following their loss to Hull City in the week, and will be aiming not to fall further behind.

• Millwall have won four of their last five home league games against Leicester City (L1), keeping three clean sheets across that run.

• Leicester City have won three of their last four league games against Millwall (L1), though did lose the most recent encounter 1-0 in April 2024.

• Millwall have won each of their last three league games and will be looking to win four in succession for the first time since November 2024 (run of four 1-0 wins).

• Leicester have won just four of their 11 league games so far this season (D5 L2); their last campaign in the Championship in 2023-24 saw them win 10 of their opening 11 matches en route to winning the title.

• Millwall have 20 points from their opening 11 league games this season (W6 D2 L3); it's the earliest they've reached that total in the second tier since 1995-96 (also 11 games).

Image source, Getty Images

Millwall midfielder Massimo Luongo will miss the rest of the season after injuring knee ligaments.

The 33-year-old ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during Saturday's 2-1 Championship win at Queens Park Rangers.

Luongo was forced off 15 minutes into the win - which was his 11th appearance of the season since his summer move from Ipswich Town on a one-year deal.

Millwall say the Australian will undergo surgery in the coming weeks before a period of rehabilitation.

Millwall boss Alex Neil, speaking to BBC Radio London after Tuesday's 2-0 win against Stoke:

"I thought it [the performance] was really strong. We played against a good side. They've conceded the least goals in the Championship, we scored two and could have scored more.

"I thought defensively we were really strong, I thought we carried a threat throughout the match.

"There's nothing not to like for us tonight.

"Femi [Azeez] has been brilliant in the last three years. He has been fundamental to our three wins in the last three games but I thought Thierno [Ballo] - the work that he got through, his quality in the final third - he was excellent. He was the best player on the pitch for me."

Nick Hart
Fan writer

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Are the Lions the real deal?

Or are they just passing through on a good roll of form?

Certainly on the basis of Millwall's trip along the Central Line to Loftus Road on Saturday, we are very much the classic 'hard team to beat' - away from home anyway.

First-half goals from the in-form Femi Azeez and the 'seeking form' Mihailo Ivanovic defeated a decent looking QPR side.

Despite a late flurry by the Hoops, this was very much a controlled and disciplined performance by the boys from Bermondsey.

One that has turned the excitement levels up to 11 as Millwall find themselves in the top six, this despite a season where the gaffer has rarely had a full-strength squad to choose from.

The QPR game saw pre-match knocks for goalkeeper Stephen Benda and striker Josh Coburn, both of whom exited the starting XI.

The industrious Massimo Luongo also joined the injury list after just 10 minutes of this hard fought London derby.

Much depends on the Lions keeping a healthy squad.

If we can do that, then Saturday's fine win in Shepherd's Bush hints at a very special season indeed for Millwall...

Find more from Nick Hart on Achtung! Millwall., external

Stoke City head to South London with the best defensive record in the Championship having conceded only six goals in their 10 matches so far

Millwall are looking to record three league wins in a row for the first time since April.

• Millwall have only lost one of their past 13 league meetings with Stoke City (W7 D5), going down 2-0 in March 2022.

• Stoke have lost each of their past four league visits to Millwall and could lose five in a row for the first time.

• Millwall have won seven of their past 10 home league games, although have lost three of their past five such matches.

• Since losing 6-0 at Leeds in April, Stoke have shipped just three goals across their past six away league outings.

• Millwall's Alex Neil has won five of his past six league matches against former side Stoke, losing the other 1-0 with Preston in September 2020.