Sheffield United will look to extend their lead at the top of the Championship table when they travel to The Den to face Millwall on Wednesday evening. The Blades regained the summit on Sunday with a hard-fought 2-2 draw against West Bromwich Albion, while Millwall dropped to 11th place following a disappointing weekend defeat.
Millwall enters this midweek clash aiming to rejuvenate their playoff ambitions after experiencing a dip in form over recent weeks. Under the guidance of Neil Harris, who has returned to manage the Lions this season, the London side initially enjoyed a strong start. They climbed into the top six with 22 points from their first 14 matches, propelled by a run of four consecutive victories across October and November. However, their momentum has stalled since then, and the Lions now find themselves winless in their last four outings.
Their recent struggles were exemplified on Saturday when they hosted Coventry City. Following a frustrating 1-1 draw against Oxford United the week prior, Millwall fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat against Coventry. Ephron Mason-Clark’s goal around the hour mark proved decisive, leaving the hosts unable to mount a response. This marked Millwall’s fifth league defeat of the season and further highlighted their recent offensive challenges. Despite boasting one of the Championship’s best defensive records—having conceded just 16 goals, fewer than all but one team outside the top four—their inability to convert chances into goals has undermined their progress.
Now six points adrift of the playoff spots, Millwall will look to rediscover their scoring touch and return to winning ways against a formidable Sheffield United side. The Den has often served as a fortress for the Lions, and they will hope the home crowd can inspire a much-needed resurgence as they aim to bridge the gap to the top six.
On the other hand, Sheffield United arrives in South London full of confidence, riding the wave of an impressive unbeaten run. The Blades are unbeaten in their last eight league matches, during which they have amassed 20 points. Their current form has solidified their status as one of the Championship’s strongest teams, despite starting the season with a two-point deduction. Under the astute management of Chris Wilder, Sheffield United has demonstrated exceptional quality on both ends of the pitch. They have scored 27 goals across 19 matches, a tally bettered by only four teams in the league, while their defensive record is equally impressive. The Blades have conceded just 11 goals, a figure surpassed only by Burnley.
Their strength away from home has also been a key factor in their rise to the top. With 16 points collected on the road, Sheffield United boasts the third-best away record in the division. This resilience was on display last week when they recorded consecutive home wins against Oxford United and Sunderland. Across those two matches, they netted four goals without conceding, underscoring their balanced and clinical approach. The Blades then faced a stern test on Sunday when they traveled to face promotion rivals West Bromwich Albion. Despite leading 2-1 at halftime through goals from Callum O’Hare and Tyrese Campbell, they were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw after Tom Fellows’ equalizer for the Baggies. Nevertheless, the result was enough to see them reclaim top spot in the standings.
As they prepare for their midweek encounter, Sheffield United remains acutely aware of the tight competition at the top of the table. They currently lead Leeds United by a single point and Burnley by two. Maintaining their position will require sustained excellence, and Wilder’s men will see Wednesday’s match as an opportunity to further assert their dominance. A 13th league victory of the season would not only consolidate their status as Championship leaders but also send a clear message to their promotion rivals.
The contest at The Den promises to be a fascinating battle between two teams with contrasting ambitions. Millwall, despite their recent struggles, have shown they are capable of competing with the best in the division when at their best. Their strong defensive foundation gives them a platform to build upon, but they will need to rediscover their attacking rhythm if they are to pose a serious challenge to the Blades. Players like Zian Flemming and Duncan Watmore will be crucial in providing the creative spark and finishing touch that Millwall has lacked in recent weeks.
Meanwhile, Sheffield United will rely on the collective strength and cohesion that has characterized their campaign thus far. The likes of Callum O’Hare and Tyrese Campbell have been instrumental in their attacking success, while the defensive solidity provided by John Egan and Jack Robinson has been a cornerstone of their impressive record. Wilder’s tactical acumen and ability to inspire his players will also play a pivotal role as they seek to navigate a challenging away fixture.
The outcome of this encounter could have significant implications for both sides. For Millwall, a victory would reignite their playoff hopes and provide a much-needed morale boost. It would also reaffirm their ability to compete with the Championship’s elite, a key factor as they look to establish themselves as genuine contenders for promotion. For Sheffield United, three points would represent another step toward their ultimate goal of returning to the Premier League. It would further cement their position at the top of the table and reinforce their credentials as title favorites.
As kickoff approaches, both teams will be eager to make a statement. The Den is set to host a gripping encounter, with Millwall determined to halt their winless run and Sheffield United aiming to extend their unbeaten streak. In a league as competitive and unpredictable as the Championship, moments of brilliance and resilience often make the difference. Wednesday’s clash will undoubtedly provide a stage for such moments, as two ambitious sides vie for supremacy under the floodlights in South London.