Sunderland vs Millwall predictions: Lively Lions can avoid defeat
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- Sunderland have not kept a clean sheet in their last six matches
- Millwall are unbeaten in their last four fixtures against Sunderland
- Recommended bet: Millwall or draw double chance
Sunderland seem almost certain to end up in the Championship play-offs but they hope to establish a winning habit in the meantime, starting with their match against Millwall at the Stadium of Light.
With just eight games to go, the Black Cats cannot realistically expect to wipe out the 11-point gap between themselves and the top two.
However, the Wearsiders are 12 points inside the play-off positions and will look to deliver a response after they were beaten 3-0 at Coventry before the international break.
Millwall head to Wearside off the back of a 1-0 victory at home to Stoke which provided a boost to their slim top six hopes.
However, the Londoners have a lot more work ahead of them as they strive to close a six-point gap to the top six positions.
Team news
Sunderland are boosted by the availability of defender Leo Hjelde, who has shaken off a minor injury. However, Dennis Cirkin and Enzo Le Fee (both hamstring) remain unavailable and are joined by Ian Poveda, Salis Abdul Samed, Ahmed Abdullahi and Jayden Danns in a busy Black Cats' treatment room.
Millwall attackers Femi Azeez (hamstring) and Camiel Neghli (ankle) are ruled out and striker Macauley Langstaff (leg) is back in training but short of match fitness.
Midfielder George Honeyman (groin) missed the 1-0 victory at home to Stoke a fortnight ago and remains doubtful.
The stats
Three of the last four matches between Sunderland and Millwall have finished 1-1.
Five of Sunderland’s last seven home games have featured goals for both teams.
Sunderland have lost three of their last six fixtures.
Millwall have won six of their last 11 league matches.
Six of Millwall’s last seven league games have featured less than three goals.
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Prediction
Millwall have avoided defeat in nine of their last 12 Championship fixtures and they look a worthwhile wager to claim at least a point on Wearside.
The Lions have not always been the most successful travellers but that has changed over the last couple of months with 13 points taken from their last seven road trips.
Defensive solidity has been a key aspect for the Londoners, whose goals against tally (39) is the lowest outside of the top six teams.
And Millwall’s resilience may help them frustrate the Black Cats, who are stretched by injuries and perhaps short of confidence after a 3-0 loss at Coventry last time out.
Sunderland were held 1-1 by Preston in their last home game and they may have to wait a little longer before returning to winning ways.
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