Millwall vs. Sheffield United – Two of the Championship’s Stingiest Defenses

Midweek Action in The Championship. Tuesday's action saw Leeds reclaim the top spot in The Championship table with a 3-1 victory over Middlesbrough at Elland Road. Although Boro matched Leeds for most of the game, late goals from Dan James and Brenden Aaronson secured Leeds' eighth consecutive home win – And Another Bullseye Betting Tip from The Tipster. The Leeds faithful also celebrated as promotion rivals Burnley were held to a 0-0 draw by Derby. However, Leeds' reign at the summit could be short-lived. With a win against Millwall tonight, Sheffield United can reclaim first place.

Visitors in Top Form

Sheffield United come into this game on the back of a 2-2 draw with West Bromwich Albion last Sunday. Although The Blades led 2-1, they settled for a point that propelled them back to the top of the table. Manager Chris Wilder was full of praise for his young squad:

“This might be our best point of the season. At one stage, we had six players under 22 on the pitch. They performed exceptionally well and gained invaluable experience in a challenging environment,” Wilder told the press.

The match against WBA extended Sheffield United's unbeaten run to eight games. Wilder’s side has only lost twice in the league this season, showcasing both defensive solidity and attacking prowess. The Blades have scored 27 goals in 19 matches—ranking among the top four in the league—and boast the second-best defensive record with just 11 goals conceded. Their away form is also impressive, having collected 16 points on the road, the third-best tally in the division. A win tonight would not only mark their 13th victory of the season but also ensure they return to the top of the table despite starting the campaign with a two-point deficit.

Millwall’s Form Dip

Millwall enjoyed a brief spell in the playoff spots after wins against Burnley and Leeds but have since struggled. Consecutive 1-1 draws against Stoke, Sunderland, and Oxford were followed by a 0-1 home loss to Coventry on Saturday.

Now sitting six points off the playoffs, Millwall still boasts one of the league’s best defenses, having conceded just 16 goals—a figure bettered only by the top four. To remain in contention for a playoff push, The Lions need to rekindle their winning form, starting tonight at The Den.

Neil Harris Bids Farewell

Tonight marks the end of an era as Neil Harris leads Millwall for the final time at The Den. The Lions' legend, who scored 124 goals in 374 appearances as a player, steps down as manager after Saturday's trip to Middlesbrough. Harris has managed Millwall in 278 games and has been a crucial figure for the club during multiple stints, including his recent return in February.

“This club is more than a job to me—it's my club and always will be. I’ve always said I would leave when the time felt right, and now that time has come,” Harris told the press.

Harris took charge earlier this year with Millwall sitting just above the relegation zone. Under his guidance, the team climbed to mid-table safety. As the search for his successor begins, former Coventry boss Mark Robins has emerged as a strong candidate.

Team News

Millwall:

The Lions will be without defenders Jake Cooper and Shaun Hutchinson due to injuries. However, Japhet Tanganga returns after serving a suspension, and Romain Esse's availability remains uncertain. If Esse is out, Femi Azeez, George Honeyman, and Duncan Watmore are likely to feature behind striker Macaulay Langstaff.

Sheffield United:

Chris Wilder faces a lengthy injury list, including midfielder Oliver Arblaster and strikers Kieffer Moore and Tyrese Campbell. However, Harry Souttar and Anel Ahmedhodzic return from suspension and are expected to strengthen the backline, with Alfie Gilchrist potentially resuming at right-back.

Betting Tip

Two of the Championship’s stingiest defenses clash at The Den, and goals could be at a premium. Millwall has conceded just five goals in their last nine home games, including clean sheets against promotion contenders Leeds (1-0) and Burnley (1-0). Sheffield United, bolstered by key defensive returns, will also dig deep to reclaim the top spot after allowing two goals in each of their last two away matches.

Prediction: Under 2.5 goals. Odds 1,53 – 3 units @ Betsson