Millwall vs. Middlesbrough Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 12 April 2025 - bettingexpert
Millwall are set to host Middlesbrough at The Den for a crucial Championship clash on 12 April 2025. With Millwall sitting in 9th place on 57 points and Middlesbrough in 7th with 60 points, both teams are in the thick of the promotion playoff race.
Millwall have shown solid home form recently, winning three of their last five matches, including a 1-0 victory over Sheffield United. Their key player, Mihailo Ivanovic, the team’s top scorer, will look to add to his tally of 8 goals. Despite some significant injuries, Millwall’s defensive resilience has been notable, with two clean sheets in their last five games.
Middlesbrough, with Michael Carrick at the helm, have also been in good form with two wins from their last five matches. Their attacking firepower, led by Tommy Conway with 12 goals, poses a significant threat. Historically, Middlesbrough have performed well against Millwall, making them slight favourites for this match.
Given both teams’ current form and previous encounters, expect a tightly contested game. A recommended bet would be for Middlesbrough to win, given their recent success and attacking prowess.
Millwall vs Middlesbrough Prediction & Betting Tip
| Millwall vs Middlesbrough Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Middlesbrough to win | 2.38 |
- Middlesbrough has the historical edge in head-to-head encounters against Millwall, and their recent performance suggests they can continue this trend.
- Middlesbrough’s attack has been more consistent, averaging 1.20 goals in their last five games compared to Millwall’s 0.80.
- With both teams being in relatively good form, expect a competitive game; however, Middlesbrough’s attacking prowess gives them the edge overall.
Millwall vs Middlesbrough Odds
| Millwall vs Middlesbrough Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Millwall to win | 2.94 |
| Draw | 3.23 |
| Middlesbrough to win | 2.38 |
Middlesbrough comes into this match as the favorite, with bookmakers setting their odds at 2.38 for an away win. Millwall’s chances of victory are rated at 2.94, highlighting the competitive nature of this clash. The draw odds stand at 3.23, indicating that a stalemate is also a likely outcome given both teams’ solid recent form.
With both sides eager to secure crucial points as the Championship season nears its climax, betting on Middlesbrough’s consistency could be worthwhile. Their slightly superior position and recent head-to-head success suggest they have the edge here. However, Millwall’s strong home record makes them capable of an upset.
Millwall Team Analysis
Millwall Recent Performance:
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sheffield United | Millwall | 2025-04-08 | Championship | 0-1 (Win) |
| Millwall | Portsmouth | 2025-04-05 | Championship | 2-1 (Win) |
| Sunderland | Millwall | 2025-03-29 | Championship | 1-0 (Loss) |
| Millwall | Stoke | 2025-03-15 | Championship | 1-0 (Win) |
| Leeds | Millwall | 2025-03-12 | Championship | 2-0 (Loss) |
Recent Form: WWWLL
Millwall has had a mixed bag of results in their last five matches, securing three wins and two losses. The team has managed two clean sheets in these games, highlighting their defensive solidity. Their recent wins against Sheffield United and Portsmouth were hard-fought, showing their resilience. Despite struggling to score, with an average of 0.80 goals per game, they have maintained strong defensive performances. Millwall will be looking to continue their decent home form as they host Middlesbrough, aiming to climb higher in the standings.
Millwall Key Players
Millwall’s key players will need to be at their best to secure a crucial win against Middlesbrough. Leading the attack is Mihailo Ivanovic, their top scorer, with 8 goals this season. Ivanovic’s partnership with Josh Coburn up front will be crucial if Millwall aims to break through Middlesbrough’s defence.
In midfield, George Honeyman and Billy Mitchell are vital for controlling the game and providing support to the forwards. Casper De Norre adds stability and creativity in the central areas, making him a pivotal part of Millwall’s strategy.
Defensively, Jake Cooper and Ryan Leonard form the backbone, aiming to maintain the team’s defensive solidity, which has led to two clean sheets in their last five matches.
Expected lineup for Millwall:
- Goalkeeper: Lukas Jensen
- Defenders: Tristan Crama, Ryan Leonard, Jake Cooper, Joe Bryan
- Midfielders: George Honeyman, Casper De Norre, Billy Mitchell, Luke Cundle
- Attackers: Mihailo Ivanovic, Josh Coburn
Key individual battles to watch out for include Ivanovic up against Jonathan Howson and Honeyman facing Hayden Hackney in midfield.
Millwall Suspensions & Injuries
Millwall faces a number of injury concerns ahead of their clash against Middlesbrough. Key players like Danny McNamara, Zak Lovelace, and Femi Azeez are sidelined, which could impact their strategic plans. Here is the detailed list of injuries:
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Danny McNamara | Knee injury | Late April 2025 |
| Calum Scanlon | Hamstring injury | Mid April 2025 |
| Zak Lovelace | Knee surgery | Mid July 2025 |
| Camiel Neghli | Muscle injury | Mid April 2025 |
| Femi Azeez | Hamstring injury | Late April 2025 |
| Japhet Tanganga | Broken wrist | Mid May 2025 |
| Shaun Hutchinson | Leg injury | Early May 2025 |
These absences will likely affect Millwall’s defensive stability and versatility, making it a challenging game for Alex Neil’s men. Coordinating play without these key figures means the squad will need to dig deep to maintain their form.
Millwall Tactics and Formation
Millwall Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-4-2
- Key Forwards: Mihailo Ivanovic, Josh Coburn
- Midfield Quartet: George Honeyman, Casper De Norre, Billy Mitchell, Luke Cundle
- Defensive Unit: Ryan Leonard, Tristan Crama, Jake Cooper, Joe Bryan
- Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games.
- Tactical Approach: Focused on a compact defensive structure and quick transitions.
Alex Neil’s side will likely stick to their reliable 4-4-2 formation, relying on a solid defensive base. The midfield will be key in both defense and attack, helping bridge the play from back to front swiftly. Despite injury concerns, expect a resilient display, leveraging their decent home scoring record.
Middlesbrough Team Analysis
Middlesbrough Recent Performance
Recent Form: LLWWD
Middlesbrough have had a mixed bag of results in their last five Championship games. Despite two initial losses against Leeds and Blackburn, they’ve bounced back with wins over Oxford and QPR, and a draw against Luton. Their form shows resilience, particularly in their more recent fixtures, which might give them an edge going into this game.
They have managed to keep two clean sheets in their last five games and have averaged 1.20 goals per game, showcasing a solid defensive and offensive balance under Michael Carrick.
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Middlesbrough | Leeds | 2025-04-08 | Championship | 0-1 (Loss) |
| Blackburn | Middlesbrough | 2025-04-04 | Championship | 0-2 (Win) |
| Middlesbrough | Oxford | 2025-03-29 | Championship | 2-1 (Win) |
| Luton | Middlesbrough | 2025-03-15 | Championship | 0-0 (Draw) |
| Middlesbrough | QPR | 2025-03-11 | Championship | 2-1 (Win) |
Middlesbrough’s attacking prowess is highlighted by their top scorer, Tommy Conway, who has netted 12 goals this season. Their ability to score late and the conceded goals tally, particularly in the last 15 minutes, will be critical talking points as they head into The Den.
Middlesbrough Key Players
Middlesbrough’s key players are expected to be pivotal as they face Millwall at The Den. Leading the line is their top scorer, Tommy Conway, with 12 goals this season. His goal-scoring exploits will be crucial against Millwall’s robust defense.
Kelechi Iheanacho, playing in the attacking midfielder role, will be instrumental in driving the offense. His creativity and ability to unlock defenses are aspects to watch out for.
In defense, Rav van den Berg and Jonathan Howson form a solid partnership, aiming to keep Millwall’s forwards at bay. Anfernee Dijksteel and Samuel Iling will be vital on the flanks, providing both defense and support in attack.
Expected lineup for Middlesbrough:
- Goalkeeper: Mark Travers
- Defenders: Anfernee Dijksteel, Jonathan Howson, Rav van den Berg, Samuel Iling
- Midfielders: Aidan Morris, Hayden Hackney, Delano Burgzorg, Kelechi Iheanacho, Finn Azaz
- Forward: Tommy Conway
Middlesbrough Suspensions & Injuries
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Alex Bangura | Achilles tendon injury | Mid April 2025 |
| Darragh Lenihan | Ankle injury | Mid April 2025 |
| Solomon Brynn | Dislocated shoulder | Mid April 2025 |
| Ben Doak | Thigh injury | Mid April 2025 |
| Seny Dieng | Achilles tendon injury | Early May 2025 |
| George Edmundson | Ankle injury | Mid April 2025 |
| Luke Ayling | Ankle injury | Mid April 2025 |
| Neto Borges | Ankle injury | Early May 2025 |
Middlesbrough is contending with a spate of injuries that might impact their performance against Millwall. With several key players, including defenders Alex Bangura and Darragh Lenihan, sidelined until mid-April, manager Michael Carrick will need to rely on squad depth.
The absence of Seny Dieng and Neto Borges until early May further complicates matters, especially in maintaining defensive solidity. These injuries provide an opportunity for fringe players to step up and prove their worth during this critical phase of the Championship season.
Middlesbrough Tactics and Formation
Middlesbrough’s Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Goalkeeper: Mark Travers
- Defensive Line: Anfernee Dijksteel, Jonathan Howson, Rav van den Berg, Samuel Iling-Junior
- Midfield Shield: Aidan Morris and Hayden Hackney
- Attacking Trio: Delano Burgzorg (Right Wing), Kelechi Iheanacho (Attacking Midfielder), Finn Azaz (Left Wing)
- Lone Forward: Tommy Conway
Middlesbrough’s strategy under Michael Carrick has been to maintain a solid defence while transitioning quickly into attack. The double-pivot of Morris and Hackney provides stability and protection, allowing the creative trio of Burgzorg, Iheanacho, and Azaz to push forward and support Conway.
This formation has contributed to their decent scoring average, and the use of Iheanacho in an advanced playmaker role maximizes the team’s attacking opportunities. Expect Middlesbrough to be aggressive in the final 15 minutes. Although they have previously conceded during this period, they also look for late goals to turn the tide.
Millwall vs Middlesbrough Head-to-Head Statistics
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Middlesbrough | Millwall | 2024-12-14 | Championship | 1-0 (Win) |
| Millwall | Middlesbrough | 2024-01-13 | Championship | 1-3 (Loss) |
| Middlesbrough | Millwall | 2023-08-05 | Championship | 0-1 (Loss) |
| Middlesbrough | Millwall | 2023-01-14 | Championship | 1-0 (Win) |
| Millwall | Middlesbrough | 2022-10-08 | Championship | 2-0 (Win) |
The recent encounters between Millwall and Middlesbrough have been tightly contested, with Middlesbrough holding a slight edge. Middlesbrough won the last match 1-0 in December 2024 and claimed a convincing 3-1 victory at The Den in January 2024.
However, Millwall secured a victory in August 2023 at Riverside Stadium. This track record hints at a balanced clash, but Middlesbrough seems to have the upper hand in recent meetings. Expect another competitive showdown.
Odds accurate as of 10/04/2025 15:02, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.
