By Daniel Wood
Huddersfield Town host Millwall F.C. in the SkyBet Championship at the John Smith’s Stadium on today, 20 January 2021; 7 pm KO.
The Terriers currently sit 14th in the Championship. They are 12 points ahead of the bottom three and nine points behind the play-off places.
In their last game, Town lost 2-0 away to promotion candidates Watford. Goals from Tom Cleverly and Joao Pedro were enough to sink Carlos Corberans side who have now lost three games on the bounce in all competitions.
Town are hoping to gain all three points against a Millwall side who sit five points behind them with a game in hand.
The Terriers have done well at home this season, winning seven of their 12 games, drawing one and losing four times. They have the 6th best home record in the Championship this season.
Team News – Huddersfield Town
- New addition Richard Keogh is a doubt to be a part of the game having just signed for the Terriers on a loan deal until the end of the season.
- Christopher Schindler and Richard Stearman are both out with long term injuries.
- Precautions may be taken with Rarmani Edmonds-Green after taking a knock in his last game.
Millwall F.C
Millwall are currently 16th in the SkyBet Championship. They are seven points ahead of the bottom three and 14 points behind the play-off places.
The Lions’ fans will not be happy with their league position having challenged the play-off places last season, as they are closer to the relegation zone this season.
Last time out, Millwall lost 3-1 away to Nottingham Forest, which means they have gone four league games without a win.
Millwall’s away form this season has been average. They have won, lost and drawn four games with a -1 goal difference. It is the 10th best away records in the league.
Their manager, Gary Rowett, has been at the helm of the club since October 2019 and currently has a 37.1%-win rate at the club. The game against Huddersfield Town will mark Rowett’s 400th game as a manager.
He is currently in his fifth managerial role having previously managed Burton Albion, Birmingham City, Derby County and Stoke City. His best win percentage was with Burton Albion (44.4%).
Arguably his biggest achievement as manager came with Birmingham City, as he took them from bottom of the Championship in October 2014 to a 10th place finish come the end of the season, which was praised as a remarkable turn-around.
During his playing career, Gary Rowett played for a variety of different English clubs and played 381 games, less than the games he has managed.
Ones to Watch
JED WALLACE
The winger has been the top goalscorer for the Lions this season with six goals. He has been an ever-present for Gary Rowett’s side this season and has provided two assists during that time. He averages two key passes, shots and successful dribbles per match.
SHAUN HUTCHINSON
The 100+ appearance centre-back joined Millwall in 2016 from Fulham and has been an ever-present this season, with one assist to his name. He has been names man of the match twice this season and has averaged over 3 clearances a game and over 2 interceptions a game.
RYAN LEONARD
The 28-year old defensive midfielder joined Millwall on loan from Sheffield United in 2018 before making the deal permanent in January 2019. He has three assists and a goal to his name this season and is also well known for his tackling abilities.
PREDICTION
Huddersfield Town leads the head to head record against Millwall. Since their first meeting in 1922, Town have won 22 times, there have been seven draws and Millwall have won on 19 occasions.
In the reverse fixture earlier in the season, Huddersfield Town won 3-0 at the Den. Town have only lost once against the Lions since 2012 and that came last season when Millwall won 4-1 at the Den.
Both teams are having mediocre seasons as they sit in mid-table and both teams are winless in their last few games. Three points would be huge for both sides as they look to kickstart a good run of form.
A win for Town could see them leap up to 10th in the table if results go their way, meanwhile, Millwall could go up one place to 15th.
I can see both teams conceding and for it to be a close encounter, however, I feel as though Huddersfield Town might have too much in the tank for Millwall.
Therefore, I predict:
Huddersfield Town 3-1 Millwall
Nathan’s Prediction: