Preston Vs Millwall

Preston North End are set to welcome Millwall to Deepdale on Tuesday evening for a crucial Championship clash, with both sides vying to inch closer to the playoff spots. The Lilywhites, currently positioned 15th in the league table, have been enjoying solid form, particularly at home, where they are on the verge of extending an impressive unbeaten league run to 11 matches. Their opponents, Millwall, sit just one place above them in 14th, making this a pivotal encounter for both teams as they attempt to build momentum in the latter stages of the season.

Paul Heckingbottom's Preston side managed to secure a valuable point in their most recent outing against Burnley, battling their Lancashire rivals to a goalless draw at Deepdale last Saturday. It was a hard-fought contest that saw both teams create opportunities but ultimately fail to find the back of the net. This result, while not the most satisfying for Preston, further cemented their defensive resilience at home, reinforcing their ability to frustrate opposing teams.

Millwall, on the other hand, also come into this fixture following a draw in their previous match. They hosted West Bromwich Albion at The Den, where they were forced to settle for a 1-1 result on the same day that Preston faced Burnley. The Lions demonstrated their ability to compete against a tough opponent, but they will feel that they could have claimed all three points had they been more clinical in front of goal.

With both teams currently level on 41 points, the significance of this fixture cannot be overstated. A victory for either Preston or Millwall would see them move to 44 points, putting them within just four points of the coveted playoff positions. With the season reaching its latter stages, every point is becoming increasingly valuable, and both sides will be eager to claim maximum points to keep their promotion aspirations alive.

Historically, this fixture has not been kind to Preston North End. The Lilywhites have failed to secure a victory in their last 11 league meetings with Millwall, a run that includes four draws and seven defeats. Their most recent encounter ended in a 3-1 defeat at The Den back in September, a game that highlighted Millwall's attacking prowess and Preston’s defensive vulnerabilities. That result will still be fresh in the minds of Heckingbottom’s men, and they will undoubtedly be looking to avenge that loss in front of their home supporters.

Millwall, meanwhile, have enjoyed considerable success on their recent visits to Deepdale. The Lions have not suffered a league defeat away to Preston since December 2018, when they lost 3-2. Since that game, they have made the trip to Deepdale on five occasions, winning three of those matches and drawing the other two. This strong away record will give them a psychological edge heading into the game, as they look to maintain their impressive run against Preston on the road.

Preston’s recent struggles against London-based clubs further add to the challenge they face against Millwall. In their last 12 Championship fixtures against teams from the capital, the Lilywhites have managed to win just once. That solitary victory came in April 2023, when they secured a 2-0 win away at Queens Park Rangers. Aside from that, they have endured a difficult run of form, drawing three matches and losing eight. This statistic will be a cause for concern for Preston fans, who will be hoping their team can defy the odds and claim a crucial win against another London opponent.

Millwall’s away form has been somewhat inconsistent in recent weeks, but they have still managed to win two of their last three league games on the road. However, their most recent away fixture ended in a disastrous 5-1 defeat at Plymouth Argyle, a result that exposed defensive frailties and marked the first time they had conceded five or more goals in a Championship away game since May 2021. On that occasion, they suffered a heavy 6-1 loss at Coventry City. The Lions will be keen to ensure that such defensive lapses do not repeat themselves as they prepare to face Preston.

Another intriguing subplot in this fixture is Millwall manager Alex Neil’s record against his former club. Neil, who previously managed Preston North End, has struggled in his encounters with them since moving on. In his four previous league meetings against Preston as a manager, he has suffered defeat on three occasions. However, he does have one significant triumph to his name: during his tenure at Stoke City, he led his side to a 2-0 victory at Deepdale in October 2022. That experience will give him confidence as he attempts to orchestrate another successful return to his former stomping ground.

With all of these factors in play, Tuesday's contest between Preston and Millwall is shaping up to be an engrossing battle. Both teams have everything to fight for, knowing that a win could serve as a launchpad for a strong finish to the season. Preston’s formidable home record will be put to the test against a Millwall side that has enjoyed recent success at Deepdale, and the outcome of this encounter could have a significant bearing on the trajectory of both clubs in the race for a playoff spot.

Fans can expect a tightly contested affair, with both sides determined to make their mark. While Preston will rely on their defensive solidity and home advantage, Millwall will look to capitalize on their positive record at Deepdale and their ability to perform in challenging away fixtures. Given their recent head-to-head history and current form, this fixture is poised to be a gripping Championship showdown.