Preston vs Millwall predictions for Saturday’s early Championship affair. Can Preston get back on track after some difficult weeks and end their winless run against bogey side Millwall who sacked their manager in midweek? Read on for our free predictions and betting tips.
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Match Live Saturday, 21st October at 12:30 pm In:
Preston vs Millwall Predictions
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A Tug of War in the Championship
Key Stats
– Millwall have lost only once in their previous five outings.
– Will Keane leads Preston’s goal tally with 4 strikes this season.
As Preston North End welcomes Millwall to their home turf this Saturday, it presents an intriguing contrast. The hosts aim to reverse a three-match losing run, while the visitors are in search of direction without a permanent manager.
Preston’s Fall from Grace:
Ryan Lowe’s squad began their Championship campaign with a remarkable six-game winning streak, positioning them as strong contenders for automatic promotion. However, the recent dip in form, which saw them concede 11 goals in three games, has raised eyebrows. Their defeats to West Bromwich Albion and Leicester City were disheartening.
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Yet, it was the 4-2 loss to Ipswich Town that stung the most. Despite pulling level twice during the match, the Tractor Boys sealed the game. Now, with a mere three points cushion to the 10th spot, the pressure is mounting on Preston.
Millwall’s Managerial Dilemma:
The Lions’ recent performance had been commendable, securing four points against Plymouth Argyle and Hull City and just one defeat in five matches. However, the surprise mutual parting with Gary Rowett indicates behind-the-scenes turbulence. With Adam Barrett stepping up for this fixture, the big question is whether he can inspire the team to a much-needed win.
Team News and Players to Watch:
Preston fans are eagerly anticipating the return of Andrew Hughes and Jack Whatmough from injuries. Still, their midfield maestro Ali McCann is set to miss out. Noteworthy players like Ben Whiteman, Duane Holmes, and Liam Millar are gearing up for this vital clash, with Will Keane potentially leading the frontline.
Millwall, in contrast, might not deviate much from their lineup against Hull. Brooke Norton-Cuffy and George Saville might make appearances, while Tom Bradshaw is tipped to spearhead their attack due to Kevin Nisbet’s injury.
Preston’s Pillars of Strength:
- Alan Browne, with an expert rating of 7.06, has been instrumental in midfield.
- Duane Holmes, the forward dynamo, boasts a rating of 7.02.
- Liam Lindsay, the defence stalwart, has consistently performed with a 7.01 rating.
Millwall’s Key Players:
- Zian Flemming leads the chart with an impressive 7.25 rating.
- Defender Shaun Hutchinson is close behind with a 7.24 rating.
- Joe Bryan and Casper De Norre both shine with a 7.09 rating.
Analytical Deep Dive:
Preston’s stats highlight their attacking prowess with an average of 1.4 goals scored per match. However, defensively they seem vulnerable, conceding an average of 1.5 goals. Their ball possession stands at 41.9%.
Millwall have been slightly more balanced, with an average of 1 goal per match and conceding just above Preston at 1.18 goals. Their ball possession is marginally better at 43.3%.
Predictions:
1. Match Outcome: Draw
When taking a comprehensive look at the recent forms and strategies of both Preston North End and Millwall, it’s plausible to predict a drawn outcome. Preston, while showcasing an impressive six-match winning streak earlier in the season, have been on a downward spiral, with three consecutive losses in their recent outings. This dip in form might be causing some internal pressure to revert back to their winning ways. Conversely, Millwall have had a relatively mixed bag of results. Their performances suggest a team capable of holding their own, especially when you factor in that they’ve suffered just one defeat in their last five games.
The managerial upheaval at Millwall is also pivotal to consider. While they’ve parted ways with Gary Rowett, Adam Barrett will be in charge of this fixture, which might bring a fresh perspective and potentially a more cautious approach. The uncertainty around managerial strategies and Preston’s need to find their footing again might lead both teams to approach the game with a bit of reservation, ultimately resulting in a draw.
2. Correct Score: 2-2
The attacking prowess and defensive vulnerabilities of both teams hint at a goal-laden match. Preston, with their recent form, have shown that they can both score and concede, evident from their 4-2 defeat to Ipswich Town. They displayed resilience, getting back into the game at two different points. Similarly, Millwall’s statistics show an average of one goal scored per game and a little over one goal conceded.
Considering both teams’ tendencies and the probable strategies they might adopt given their recent forms, a 2-2 scoreline seems like a plausible prediction. It’s an outcome that represents Preston’s hunger to get back on track and Millwall’s consistent attacking displays.
3. Goalscorer: Will Keane
When diving into the player statistics for both teams, Will Keane emerges as a notable mention. As Preston’s top scorer this season with 4 goals, Keane’s form is hard to overlook. He’s been at the heart of Preston’s attack, often being the focal point and delivering when called upon. With Millwall’s defence conceding an average of over a goal a game, there’s a good chance Keane might find the back of the net in this fixture.
4. Corner Battle: Millwall to Edge Out
Corners, often an overlooked part of the game, can be a significant indicator of a team’s attacking intent and territorial dominance. Analysing the statistics, Millwall average 4.8 corners per game, whereas Preston trails slightly with an average of 3.9. This subtle difference points towards Millwall’s slightly more aggressive attacking approach, often pushing their opponents back into their third.
Considering Millwall’s propensity to drive down the flanks and their slightly superior corner statistics, it’s likely they might edge Preston out in this department during the match. As for the total number of corners in the game, given both teams’ averages, a total of around 8 to 9 corners seems like a reasonable expectation.
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