The two teams played out a goalless draw in the reverse fixture on Boxing Day (Image: Ross Halls)
A CRUCIAL CLASH
Third host fourth. Two teams separated by goal difference alone, although Ipswich boast a game in hand. Both sides are within touching distance of second-place Middlesbrough, who they will face after the international break.
This is a match that could prove to be season-defining.
The Blues come into it unbeaten in six games, although draws at home to Leicester City and away at Stoke City caused concern before a less-than-convincing win at rock-bottom Sheffield Wednesday.
But that win against the Owls was crucial. Leaders Coventry City lost at home to Southampton, Middlesbrough were stunned by a stoppage time equaliser against Bristol City at the Riverside, while Millwall slipped to a defeat against Blackburn Rovers in South London.
The Lions’ result shouldn’t distract from how much of a threat they are, however. They still believe that they can secure automatic promotion to the Premier League, which remains in their hands.
Millwall are still hoping to secure automatic promotion to the Premier League (Image: PA)
LIONS EYE TOP TWO
Since their first season back in the Championship in 2017/18, when they reached 72 points, Millwall’s best return in the second tier has been 69 points (2021/22). After 38 games this season, they’re on 68.
There’s a strong chance that they climb into the 80s this term, a number that traditionally puts a team in and around the top two. That’s the aim for the Lions now, given how consistent their recent performances and results have been.
Since the reverse fixture against Ipswich, which ended 0-0 on Boxing Day, they have won 10, drawn two and lost three of their 15 league games. A home defeat to Portsmouth was the only thing stopping them from seven victories on the bounce before they were toppled by Blackburn in controversial fashion.
Millwall were ahead thanks to Luke Cundle’s overhead kick before left-back Zak Sturge was sent off for denial of a goalscoring opportunity [DOGSO]. Mathias Jorgensen came off the bench for Rovers, scoring twice towards the end of the game to win it for his side. Sturge’s red card has since been appealed and successfully overturned.
Beware the wounded animal, however, especially when the animal is a Championship team like Millwall. They have a solid core, including a back line with remarkable height and the most clean sheets in the division [15].
While their goalscoring numbers are well below that of their promotion rivals, there’s plenty of quality in the final third. That being said, this is a team worth more than the sum of its parts. Alex Neil has done an incredible job.
Possible Millwall XI: 4-2-3-1: Patterson; Crama, Taylor, Cooper, Sturge; Bannan, Mitchell; Azeez, Cundle, Neghli; Coburn
Town tried to sign Femi Azeez in the January transfer window (Image: PA)
NARRATIVE OUT WIDE
There’s a key battle on the flank that could decide this game, and there’s an extra layer of narrative that adds a unique twist.
In Ipswich’s corner, Ben Johnson. A natural right-back whose versatility makes him a useful player, albeit in a season where he’s struggled for minutes. That versatility will come into play here, starting at left-back in the absence of the suspended Leif Davis.
He’s a West Ham academy graduate who helped the Hammers win the UEFA Europa Conference League. Millwall don’t get on very well with West Ham, to put it lightly, which might influence Johnson’s motivation for this game and some of the chants that emanate from the away end.
He faces a daunting battle – out of his natural position – against Femi Azeez, one of the top players in this season’s Championship.
The 24-year-old, who was suspended for the reverse fixture at The Den, has notched eight goals and seven assists in 27 games this season. He’s been a revelation since signing from League One side Reading in 2024, so much so that Ipswich launched a bid towards the end of the recent January transfer window.
That offer was rejected, despite the fact that it would have broken their outgoing transfer record (initial £12m for Romain Esse to join Crystal Palace). The Lions stood firm, believing that he could be the difference between promotion and another season in the Championship.
Kasey McAteer hasn’t started a league game since the reverse fixture at The Den (Image: Ross Halls)
WHO COULD START?
Aside from a couple of positions, this team largely picks itself.
Christian Walton will continue in goal. Bans for Davis and Cedric Kipre limit the options at the back, so expect to see Darnell Furlong, Dara O’Shea, Jacob Greaves and Johnson lining up in defence.
Azor Matusiwa will start after navigating his yellow-card tightrope. This match is unlikely to suit Jens Cajuste, while Dan Neil’s recent form has dipped, so I expect Jack Taylor to partner him.
There are more question marks in attack. Despite Jaden Philogene’s return from injury, I can’t see past Jack Clarke starting on the left, with Anis Mehmeti through the middle in the absence of the injured Marcelino Nunez.
Wes Burns’ knock causes problems on the right. Sindre Walle Egeli was hooked off at half time against Sheffield Wednesday and, despite goals against Watford and Leicester City, hasn’t looked as sharp in recent weeks, so I can see Kasey McAteer coming in for his first league start since the away game against Millwall on Boxing Day.
Who starts up front? We’ve seen mixed performances from Ivan Azon, but his overall levels have been much improved. George Hirst has primarily been used as the substitute, but he may be better equipped against the Lions’ towering back line, which Azon struggled against back in the reverse fixture.
Possible Town XI: 4-2-3-1: Walton; Furlong, O’Shea, Greaves, Johnson; Matusiwa, Taylor; McAteer, Mehmeti, Clarke; Azon
The Blues have lost just once at Portman Road this season (Image: Steve Waller)
MY PREDICTION
Tight, cagey, nervy. Both teams know how to score, but I think they might be paranoid of losing it. Early kick-offs can lead to a slightly flatter atmosphere, so I’m not expecting an open, end-to-end match with loads of chances.
I think Ipswich and Millwall will cancel each other out. Town can carve opponents open at will when they get going, but the Lions boast a superb defensive record and have clear attacking threats. This feels like a 1-1 draw to me.