Hull City and Millwall are set to clash in a match with significant implications for the Championship promotion race. The two teams square off on Saturday afternoon, both seeking a victory to bolster their chances of securing a coveted spot in the Premier League. Ahead of the showdown at the MKM Stadium, these two teams sit in fifth and four position in the Championship table.
Hull’s Promotion Ambitions Face Test
Hull City’s recent match against Ipswich Town presented an opportunity to move up the table, but they succumbed to a 1-0 defeat. Despite this setback, Hull remain in fifth place, six points adrift of second-placed Middlesbrough. They still have multiple games against teams in the bottom half of the table to play during the run-in.
Sergej Jakirovic’s focus will be on ensuring that Hull maintain their seven-point advantage over seventh place. However, Hull’s recent form at the MKM Stadium has been inconsistent, prevailing in just two of their last six games there. They have also lost three of their last five games in the Championship.
Millwall’s Strong Form Boosts Top-Two Hopes
Millwall, despite having just two more points than Hull, remain strong contenders for a top-two spot. Their form since the middle of January has been a key factor, with six wins and one draw from a nine-match period. One of their two defeats came at leaders Coventry City.
After suffering a home defeat to Portsmouth, Alex Neil’s team have responded with victories and clean sheets versus Birmingham City and Preston North End. The Lions boast the third-best defensive record on their travels, conceding just 19 goals across 17 such games. Success in the latter was the Lions’ eighth away triumph in 17 such games.
Team News and Possible Lineups
Hull are likely to be forced into at least two changes. Lewie Coyle suffered an ankle injury against Ipswich, and Matt Crooks received his 10th yellow card in the same game. Akin Famewo and John Lundstrom are favourites to replace the aforementioned duo, while Oli McBurnie could return ahead of Liam Millar or Joe Gelhardt.
Millwall could line up unchanged for this match, with Will Smallbone potentially returning to the substitutes’ bench after a long-term hamstring injury. Zak Sturge is continuing to impress at left-back, so Alfie Doughty may remain on the substitutes’ bench. Defender Tristan Crama is one caution away from a two-match ban.
Hull City possible starting lineup:
- Pandur; Hughes, Egan, McNair; Drameh, Slater, Lundstram, Famewo; Gelhardt, Koumas; McBurnie
Millwall possible starting lineup:
- Patterson; Leonard, Crama, Cooper, Sturge; De Norre, Mitchell; Azeez, Langstaff, Neghli; Coburn
Despite Hull returning to the MKM Stadium, Millwall have one of the b