Norwich vs Millwall Prediction - Championship Fixtures

As we head to the halfway mark of the Championship, Norwich hosts Millwall at Carrow Road on 26th December 2024 at 15:00. This encounter pits 13th-placed Norwich against 10th-placed Millwall, highlighting the thin margins in the standings with only two points separating the two.

Norwich, under coach Johannes Thorup, will be looking to reverse their poor form (LLDLW) and bounce back from their recent loss against Sunderland. Norwich’s Borja Sainz, the league’s standout performer with 17 goals in 21 appearances, is one to watch, especially with several Premier League teams having him on their radar.

Millwall, managed by Neil Harris, are also keen to build on their recent win against Blackburn (WLLLD). Despite their average goal-scoring rate, Duncan Watmore’s five goals this season underscore his importance.

Expect a competitive game likely to have goals, making the recommended bet of over 1.5 goals in the first half a lucrative pick, thanks to Norwich’s offensive style. With clear skies and a temperature of 6°C, the weather presents ideal conditions for football at Carrow Road.

Norwich vs Millwall Prediction & Betting tip

For today’s clash between Norwich and Millwall, our recommended betting tip is for over 1.5 goals in the first half. Norwich’s attacking style, coupled with Millwall’s current form, suggests an early surge of goals. Here are some compelling reasons:

• Despite their defensive reputation, Millwall will struggle against Norwich’s offensive prowess.
• Norwich has shown they can break down b defenses, as demonstrated in their recent clash with Burnley.
• Millwall’s form this season shows a tendency for tight games, but Norwich’s scoring consistency (90% home matches) could overwhelm them.

Norwich vs Millwall Odds

The betting odds for Norwich vs. Millwall offer intriguing options for punters. Norwich are currently the bookmakers’ favourites, reflective of their b attacking form this season. While Norwich have demonstrated a propensity to score in nearly all their home games, Millwall’s defensive resilience could make this a more contested affair.

Here’s a breakdown of the odds:

With these odds, there appears to be value in considering both a Norwich win and the potential for a closely-fought draw. The lower odds for Norwich suggest confidence in their home advantage and attacking prowess.

Norwich Team Analysis

Norwich, under the guidance of coach Johannes Thorup, have had a mixed recent run of form. Their last five matches have seen them struggle for consistency, with a record of one win, one draw, and three losses. Nonetheless, they have shown a fighting spirit, particularly with their impressive 4-2 victory over Luton Town at the end of November.

The Canaries scored an average of 1.20 goals in their last five games, reflecting their attacking intent despite having only one clean sheet in this period. This demonstrates their tendency to both score and concede, adding an unpredictable element to their matches.

Their recent performances have been affected by injuries to key players like Josh Sargent and Liam Gibbs. Nonetheless, the b attacking presence of Borja Sainz, who has netted 15 goals this season, will be crucial in their upcoming matches.

Norwich Key Players

Norwich City’s key player is undoubtedly Borja Sainz, who has been exceptional this season with 15 goals to his name. Sainz’s goal-scoring prowess has been a vital part of Norwich’s attacking strategy. Many eyes will be on him to break down Millwall’s defense. Equally crucial is Emiliano Marcondes in midfield, who will look to control the game’s tempo and supply opportunities to the forward line. Defensively, the absence of José Córdoba due to suspension means Shane Duffy and Grant Hanley will need to step up. Expected lineup for Norwich:

• Goalkeeper: Angus Gunn
• Defenders: Jack Stacey, Shane Duffy, Grant Hanley, Callum Doyle
• Midfielders: Anis Ben Slimane, Emiliano Marcondes, Marcelino Núñez
• Attackers: Onel Hernandez, Ante Crnac, Borja Sainz

Norwich Suspensions & Injuries

Suspensions: The absence of José Córdoba due to a yellow/red card suspension will be a significant blow to Norwich City’s defense. His suspension will force coach Johannes Thorup to make adjustments in the backline.

Injuries: Norwich also has several key players sidelined due to injuries, which could affect their performance. Notable absences include Josh Sargent, Gabe Forsyth, and Liam Gibbs, whose returns are expected in January.

These absences could hinder Norwich’s overall balance and depth, particularly impacting their attacking and midfield options.

Norwich Tactics and Formation

Norwich Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Borja Sainz. Sainz has been exceptional this season, netting 15 goals, and is the team’s major attacking threat.
• Midfield Trio: Marcelino Núñez, Emiliano Marcondes, Anis Ben Slimane. This trio provides a blend of creativity, vision, and ball-winning abilities to control the midfield.
• Defensive Setup: With José Córdoba suspended, Grant Hanley will likely pair with Shane Duffy at centre-back. This could make Norwich vulnerable on the left but provide veteran leadership at the back.
• Notable Strategy: Norwich is known for their attacking style, evident from scoring in 90% of home matches this season. They’ll look to press forward aggressively, especially in the initial stages of play.

Their setup suggests a proactive approach against Millwall, aiming to exploit their defensive frailties.

Millwall Team Analysis

Millwall’s recent run of form has been challenging, with only one win in their last five outings. They managed to secure a 1-0 victory against Blackburn Rovers but have since faced defeats against Middlesbrough, Sheffield United, and Coventry City, along with a draw against Oxford United. A deeper look into their recent performances shows an average of just 0.40 goals scored per match and only one clean sheet in the last five games. Despite their defensive reputation, Millwall’s struggles in front of goal have been evident.

Millwall Key Players

Expected lineup for Millwall:

• Goalkeeper: Lukas Jensen
• Defenders: Ryan Leonard, Japhet Tanganga, Murray Wallace, Joe Bryan
• Midfielders: George Saville, Casper De Norre, Romain Esse, Aidomo Emakhu, Femi Azeez
• Attacker: Macaulay Langstaff

Millwall’s top scorer, Duncan Watmore, with five goals this season, will be a critical player to watch. Even though he hasn’t found the net often, his ability to change the game could be pivotal.

George Saville and Casper De Norre will play vital roles in the midfield. Their battle against Norwich’s midfield trio, especially Marcelino Núñez, could determine control in the center of the park.

The backline, led by Japhet Tanganga, will have their hands full managing Norwich’s offensive threats, particularly Borja Sainz.

Millwall Suspensions & Injuries

Millwall is dealing with several injury concerns that could impact their performance against Norwich. Here’s a detailed look at their current injury and suspension status:

Millwall Tactics and Formation

Millwall’s Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Macaulay Langstaff
• Midfield Duo: George Saville, Casper De Norre
• Defensive Backbone: Murray Wallace, Japhet Tanganga

Millwall typically set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with a focus on solidity and defensive discipline. In midfield, George Saville and Casper De Norre hold the fort, ensuring a stable base to protect the back line while aiding in transitions. Their attack primarily revolves around Macaulay Langstaff, supported by Aidomo Emakhu, who links the midfield and the forward line. Defensively, despite recent struggles, they aim to absorb pressure and hit on counters, relying on Wallace and Tanganga for resilience at the back.

Norwich vs. Millwall Head-to-Head Statistics

The last five encounters between Norwich and Millwall have been quite engaging, with Norwich holding a slight edge over Millwall. The Canaries have secured three wins, including a robust 3-1 victory at home. Conversely, Millwall has managed one win and one draw, showing they can be competitive, especially in tightly contested matches. Millwall managed to grab a 1-0 victory in their most recent clash, proving that their defensive resilience can pay off. These head-to-head statistics suggest that while Norwich generally finds more success, the matches are often well-fought and fiercely contested.