Derby Vs Millwall

Derby County are set to host Millwall at Pride Park this Saturday afternoon as they aim to secure their first victory under new head coach John Eustace. The Championship fixture will see the struggling Rams go up against a Millwall side that harbors hopes of making the playoffs, making it a crucial encounter for both teams.

In their last outing, Derby suffered a heavy defeat away to Queens Park Rangers in a match televised for a national audience, further compounding their ongoing struggles. Meanwhile, Millwall shared the points with Preston North End earlier this week, highlighting their inconsistency in recent weeks as they continue their push for a spot in the top six.

Since their narrow Boxing Day triumph over a managerless West Bromwich Albion, Derby have failed to win a single match in their last 11 fixtures across all competitions. This prolonged slump resulted in the dismissal of Paul Warne, with John Eustace being appointed as his replacement at the beginning of last week. The former Birmingham City manager opted to leave his post at Blackburn Rovers—where he was leading a playoff charge—to take on the challenge of steering Derby away from the relegation zone in the Championship.

Eustace’s tenure at Pride Park got off to a rocky start, as his new side suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat against QPR. That sobering loss marked the heaviest defeat of Derby’s 2024-25 campaign, further highlighting the dire situation the club currently finds itself in. The Rams are languishing in 22nd place in the Championship table, a single point adrift of Hull City, who sit in 21st—just above the relegation zone under Ruben Selles’s management.

Derby’s home form this season has been underwhelming at best. They have managed to win only six of their 16 league games at Pride Park, failing to establish a stronghold on their own turf. However, they can take some encouragement from the fact that their only two Championship victories since early November have come in front of their home supporters. If they are to mount a serious push to escape relegation, improving their performances at Pride Park will be essential.

A major issue plaguing Derby is their lack of firepower in attack. They have found the net in just two of their last seven league outings, leaving them desperate for goals. In response, the club made a significant move in the free-agent market following the close of the winter transfer window, securing the services of experienced striker Kemar Roofe. The former Rangers and Leeds United forward has been brought in to provide much-needed attacking impetus and is expected to play a key role in the Rams’ survival bid for the remainder of the season.

On the other side, Millwall’s journey under manager Alex Neil has been a mixed one. The Scotsman, who took over earlier in the season, initially oversaw an impressive four-match winning streak, which temporarily propelled the Lions into playoff contention. However, recent weeks have been far less fruitful, with Millwall failing to win any of their last three Championship matches. This inconsistency has stalled their momentum and raised concerns about their ability to sustain a serious promotion push.

A disastrous 5-1 defeat at relegation-threatened Plymouth Argyle on February 12 served as a wake-up call for Millwall, exposing their defensive vulnerabilities in a shocking fashion. Since that humiliating result, Neil’s side has attempted to steady the ship, managing back-to-back 1-1 draws against West Bromwich Albion and Preston North End. Although these results helped avoid consecutive defeats, they also highlighted the team’s struggles to secure crucial wins needed to stay in the playoff race.

One of Millwall’s bright spots this season has been the emergence of Mihailo Ivanovic. The forward, who joined the club from his homeland in the summer, has been a key attacking asset for Neil’s side. He was on target in their latest match at Deepdale against Preston, netting his fifth Championship goal of the campaign. However, the Lions were unable to hold onto their lead, as Preston’s towering striker Emil Riis Jakobsen found an equalizer to deny them all three points.

Despite showing promise in attack, Millwall’s failure to capitalize on crucial opportunities has hampered their progress. They have picked up just two points from their last three league matches, allowing the gap between themselves and the top six to widen. Currently sitting in 14th place, they are six points behind the playoff spots, making every upcoming fixture a must-win if they are to remain in the hunt for promotion.

Millwall’s away form has also been a significant concern. They have managed to win only three of their 16 Championship games on the road this season, struggling to impose themselves in hostile environments. However, they did manage to produce a major upset earlier this month when they knocked out league leaders Leeds United with a commanding 2-0 victory at Elland Road in the FA Cup. That result showcased their ability to rise to the occasion against tough opposition, something they will need to replicate more consistently in the league.

As both teams prepare for Saturday’s encounter, the stakes are high. For Derby, the primary objective is survival, and every point gained could prove crucial in their fight against relegation. John Eustace will be eager to secure his first win as Derby’s manager and instill a sense of belief within his squad. On the other hand, Millwall will be desperate to return to winning ways and keep their playoff aspirations alive. Alex Neil’s side has shown glimpses of quality, but they must find greater consistency if they hope to break into the top six.

The tactical battle between Eustace and Neil will be intriguing, with both managers looking to impose their respective styles on the game. Derby will likely adopt a pragmatic approach, focusing on defensive solidity while hoping that their new attacking addition, Kemar Roofe, can provide the cutting edge they have been sorely missing. Meanwhile, Millwall will be aiming to exploit Derby’s defensive frailties, with Ivanovic and his attacking teammates looking to make a decisive impact.

With both sides having plenty to play for, Saturday’s clash at Pride Park promises to be a fascinating contest. Derby’s desperate need for points and Millwall’s pursuit of the playoffs add an extra layer of intensity to the fixture, setting the stage for a compelling battle in the Championship.