nPower Championship: Millwall v Middlesbrough

Millwall entertain visiting Middlesbrough at The New Den on Saturday afternoon knowing that if they take all three points, they could move within touching distance of the play-off zone.

The Lions are currently sitting in 9^th place and are six points behind the last play-off occupants leeds United. However, Leeds face a tough assignment on Saturday when they play fellow play-off hopefuls, Norwich City.

Kenny Jackett’s men will be looking to extend their home winning streak to seven consecutive matches against hapless Boro who have lost their last two; 0-1 at Crystal Palace and losing 3-4 at home to Swansea City.

Millwall possess a solid home record of 9-3-3 25/12, and this winning streak has seen them score 13 goals for, while conceding just 1! Striker Steve Morison (11 goals, 3 assists) leads the way, but has Liam Trotter (4 goals, 3 assists), Theo Robinson (3 goals, 1 assist) and Kevin Lisbie (3 goals, 4 assists) all making valuable contributions. Special mention though must go to midfielder James Henry (3 goals, 8 assists) who is enjoying his best season yet.

Millwall’s opponents on Saturday, Middlesbrough, are in trouble. They currently sit in 20^th position just four points above Sheffield United who occupy the last relegation spot. Talk of promotion back up to the Premiership has long since evaporated, along with the departure of manager Gordon Strachan, so too have their hopes of realising the pre-season tag of favourites to be promoted.

So where has it all gone wrong for Boro? Combine the need to sell their better players to reduce their increasing player wage bill ie David Wheater and Gary O’Neil, with the purchase of striker Kris Boyd (6 goals) who was really expected to be in the 20’s by now in terms of goal-tally, and a poor away record, and you have a recipe for a side to be happy to stave off relegation this season.

Boro’s away record stands at 3-2-10, and only Crystal Palace (12 away losses) have lost more away games. However, despite their inconsistencies, a wounded animal is at it’s most dangerous when cornered, and Boro will come out fighting make no mistake.

Along with Boyd, they have the likes of forwards Leroy Lita (7 goals, 3 assists), tubby Scott McDonald (4 goals, 3 assists), Barry Robson (3 goals, 4 assists), while Argentinian midfielder Julio Arca has chimed in with 5 assists.

The Verdict: Millwall have been solid at home though, and I’m expecting a seventh home win on the trot for The Lions in this one at good odds. Millwall to edge it 2-1.

Main Pick: Millwall @ 2.10 with bet365