Preview: Millwall vs. Southampton - prediction, team news, lineups

At a time when the Saints sit in fourth position in the standings, Millwall are down in 18th spot having failed to win any of their last four fixtures.

Match preview

After what appeared to be a disastrous run of form in September, Southampton remain with a negative goal difference, a rare occurrence for a team sitting in fourth position.

Nevertheless, Russell Martin will feel that it matters little with his Saints outfit having put together a six-match unbeaten run, collecting 14 points in the process.

Dropping points against Rotherham United and Preston North End was frustrating, yet Martin can only have been left impressed with the character that his players showed throughout October.

Although just one clean sheet has been recorded, Southampton have scored as many as 12 goals in their recent six games and showcased their longevity with strikes in the final five minutes of their last three outings.

Adam Armstrong has scored a third of Southampton's league goals, but Martin will see the positives in 11 different players getting on the scoresheet across just 14 matches.

From Millwall's perspective, they remain without a permanent manager with former Southampton boss Nathan Jones having emerged as the favourite to take the reins.

Any appointment appears unlikely to materialise before Saturday, though, with Adam Barrett left with the task of trying to record Millwall's first win since October 3.

On a positive note, the Lions came from behind to earn a share of the spoils at Watford last time out, albeit with their hosts ultimately netting a late leveller.

Despite sitting in 18th position, Millwall remain within seven points of their next opponents, highlighting that they are capable of changing their season around with a win on Saturday.

Millwall Championship form:

L

W

D

D

L

D

Southampton Championship form:

W

W

D

W

D

W

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Team News

Shaun Hutchinson and Ryan Leonard are both expected to be in contention for Millwall having recovered from calf and knee injuries respectively.

However, whether they are risked from the start remains to be seen with Barratt's side having gone within minutes of defeating Watford.

If Barratt sticks with a 4-4-2 formation, Ryan Longman is competing with George Honeyman for a spot on the left flank.

While Che Adams is pushing to return from injury, the Scotland international would likely start among the Southampton replacements if passed fit.

Samuel Edozie supplied an assist versus Birmingham City and will be considered, but Martin could select the same Southampton XI.

Millwall possible starting lineup:

Bialkowski; McNamara, Harding, Cooper, Wallace; Norton-Cuffy, De Norre, Saville, Honeyman; Flemming, Bradshaw

Southampton possible starting lineup:

Bazunu; Walker-Peters, Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Bree; Smallbone, Downes, S.Armstrong; Alcaraz, Armstrong, Sulemana

We say: Millwall 1-3 Southampton

While Millwall are capable of upsetting the odds against any second-tier opponent at home, Southampton are clear favourites for this contest. As well as dominating the ball, we expect the visitors to win with relative ease to keep the pressure on the teams in the playoff spots.

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