Prediction: 2-1
Tip: Both Teams to Score/Goals Over 2.5
Key Points:
1. Millwall is unbeaten in their last five home games
2. Palace haven't scored in their last three away matches
3. Last league encounters between these sides ended with two draws and a Palace win
For the Round 3 of the FA Cup, Millwall plays host to Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon at The Den. The Lions are a scary side to face on their home turf. Infamous for their hostile atmosphere, many visiting sides endure a mental test while facing the South East Londoners.
As fellow Londoners themselves, Premier League's Crystal Palace will hope to progress against a Championship side. These two local sides have not met recently, as their last encounter took place in 2013.
Gary Rowett's side has endured three defeats and two wins in their last five league games. Sitting in an uneventful 11th place, they are 7 points behind the spots which secure playoff qualifications.
As a player, Patrick Vieira won the elusive silverware on four occasions. But it would be a gargantuan task if he leads this side to the penultimate rounds of the competitions as a manager. Matching the opposition's place, the Eagles remain in the same position of 11th place in their table.
A top-half finish in any regard would be considered a successful campaign for the team as they finished 14th last time. A good cup run alongside the league would surely get encouragement from the Glaziers.
Palace has won and lost two games with a draw in their recent five.
The contest is a tough one to judge. Considering Palace's focus on climbing the ranks in the league, they might treat this as a secondary task. Millwall is capable of causing an upset. A progression for them favors their momentum. It is a real clash of contrasting styles.
For the hosts, Connor Mahoney, Daniel Ballard, Jed Wallace, and Ryan Leonard will remain out due to injuries. For the visitors, Cheikhou Kouyaté, Jordan Ayew, and Wilfried Zaha will be unavailable due to international duty for AFCON. Nathaniel Clyne and Conor Gallagher are out for contracting Covid while James McArthur is injured.
Club Friendly Games
Millwall
Championship13 Apr 2024Millwall3 : 1Cardiff- Championship9 Apr 2024Millwall1 : 0Leicester
- Championship6 Apr 2024Huddersfield1 : 0Millwall
- Championship1 Apr 2024Rotherham2 : 1Millwall
- Championship29 Mar 2024Millwall1 : 1West Brom