Millwall FCvsStoke City

A Clash of Fortunes at The Den

As the winter chill grips The Den, Millwall FC prepares to host Stoke City in what promises to be a captivating encounter in the English Championship. Millwall's recent form has been a testament to their resilience, with an impressive nine-match unbeaten run in the league. However, their penchant for draws, with 11 stalemates in 26 games, has been a double-edged sword, often leaving them just shy of victory. The Lions' head coach, Neil Harris, will be keen to convert these draws into wins, especially after a frustrating 1-1 draw against Oxford United.

Injuries and Inspirations

Millwall's squad has been hit by injuries, with Danny McNamara and Ryan Leonard sidelined, potentially impacting their defensive solidity. Yet, the emergence of Zian Flemming as a key attacking force offers a glimmer of hope. His recent performances, including a brace against Plymouth, have caught the eye of his parent club, Burnley. Additionally, the club's commitment to retaining their players during the January transfer window underscores their belief in the current squad's potential.

Stoke City's Struggles and Aspirations

Stoke City, on the other hand, finds themselves in a precarious 18th position, grappling with inconsistency. Their recent 1-1 draw with West Bromwich Albion epitomizes their season's struggles. Despite having a capable striker in Thomas Cannon, who has netted 11 goals, the Potters have struggled to maintain momentum, with only one win in their last six matches. The potential acquisition of a former Bayern Munich striker could bolster their attack, but for now, they remain a team searching for form.

Historical Edge and Predictions

Historically, Millwall has held the upper hand at home against Stoke City, with six wins in their last 13 encounters at The Den. Stoke City's last away victory against Millwall dates back to 2005, a statistic that weighs heavily in the Lions' favor. Moreover, Millwall's ability to score late, with 26% of their goals coming in the final 15 minutes, could prove decisive against a Stoke side that has conceded in similar fashion. Given these factors, coupled with Millwall's superior recent form and home advantage, a home win seems the most likely outcome. However, with both teams struggling to find the net consistently, a clean sheet for Millwall is also on the cards.