This weekend Sunderland will travel to the Den, to take on Millwall. This will be the 40th clash between the two clubs, and here’s how I think it will go…
MILLWALL
It’s been a really positive season for Gary Rowett’s Lions, who are currently pushing for a playoff spot. Millwall have picked up 42 points from 27 games, which is a very solid tally for any side. Over this last month, Rowett has added some new additions to his squad including the return of Oliver Burke and ex Sunderland player Duncan Watmore. Their top goal scorer is still Zian Flemming, the Dutchman has scored 10 goals in 25 appearances this season.
The Lions have recorded an average possession stat of 45.7%, which is quite low considering where they are in the table. Gary Rowett often plays the 4-2-3-1 formation, and as we saw before his sides are very physical.
As a whole, Millwall are a really solid Championship unit that will cause us problems this weekend.
SUNDERLAND
This week saw the January transfer window close, and Sunderland brought in Everton defender Joe Anderson. This was followed by Bailey Wright going on loan to Rotherham for the rest of the season. Many fans were left disappointed by the lack of a new striker, especially considering Ross Stewart has picked up a season ending achilles injury.
All of this controversy was followed by a Kristjaan Speakman interview on SAFC Unfiltered, where he went on to explain his frustrations. He also made it clear that the club won’t sign a striker for the sake of it, and they want to make sure that every player they sign has the right attitude that is required to play for Sunderland.
MY PREDICTION
So, my prediction for this game is a 1-1 draw, Millwall are a good team and the Den is a really tough place to go. It is infamous for its vicious atmosphere. I think Joe Gelhardt will score on his debut, and Zian Flemming will score for the Lions. I think Millwall will be tough to break down, especially if they put lots of men behind the ball. We are very weak at set pieces and Millwall could exploit that. As a whole, I think this will be a tough game between two play off contenders.
MY PREDICTED SUNDERLAND 11 (FORMATION 4-2-3-1)
1 Anthony Patterson, 32 Trai Hume, 5 Dan Ballard, 6 Danny Batth, 42 Aji Alese, 24 Dan Neil, 25 Edouard Michut, 16 Amad Diallo, 10 Patrick Roberts, 20 Jack Clarke, 28 Joe Gelhardt
MY PREDICTED MILLWALL 11 (FORMATION 4-2-3-1)
1 George Long, 2 Dan McNamara, 4 Shaun Hutchinson, 5 Jake Cooper, 17 Callum Styles, 8 Billy Mitchell, 23 George Saville, 39 George Honeyman, 10 Zian Flemming, 20 Mason Bennett, 9 Tom Bradshaw
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