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Millwall Boost Play-Off Hopes by Seeing Off Swansea City

Kelly Greenwood (2023-09-14)

In response to Re: shtr

Millwall have the chance to increase their play-off chances by beating Swansea City in midweek. Without some wins in their last few games, Rowett's side could fall outside the top six; therefore he needs his players to deliver results.

Goals

The Lions have increased their play-off chances by defeating Swansea 2-0, scoring two goals to secure a victory. This win puts them four points above Wigan in the relegation battle, though they still have one game in hand over their opponents.

Millwall had the better of the opening half and were far more dominant in possession, with Voglsammer at the centre of much of their early pressure. He also created a dangerous cross which Lumley was forced to divert away.

With their backs against the wall, Reading were forced to retreat into their own half. Long was rarely challenged and Reading failed to create any real chances; Tom Ince even required Salisbury to speak to him at times as they sought to breach the home defence.

Bradshaw's goal was the highlight of Millwall's impressive performance, which saw them win two out of their last three matches and boost confidence among supporters hoping for promotion. Their performances against some of the league's top sides have only served to increase their belief that this could be their year to make the leap.

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Team news

Millwall are hoping a win against Swansea will boost their play-off ambitions after four losses in a row. Millwall are currently 10th in the Championship standings, three points behind sixth-placed Blackburn Rovers; Swansea are in 16th place and 11 points away from making the playoffs.

Millwall have maintained their promotion hopes despite losing five out of their first five matches this season. A 2-0 victory over Huddersfield Town in mid-March set them up nicely for their subsequent victories over Stoke City and Luton Town, but then lost to Manchester United and drawn with Liverpool.

Gary Rowett may opt to alter his strategy for Saturday's match against Reading, building on their victory against Reading. He could continue with the 4-2-3-1 formation that has helped them achieve such a good start this season but also has plenty of attacking threats at his disposal in Tom Bradshaw, Zian Flemming and Matty Blair - all capable of breaking down defenses.

Head-to-head record

On Tuesday night, Millwall enhanced their play-off hopes by defeating Swansea City 2-1 to secure a vital 2-1 victory. With just three points separating them and seven wins in eight matches, the home side are now only three points behind leaders Reading with eight to play for.

The head-to-head record is the way a team finishes level on points in a league or qualifying group and can be used to decide if teams should be separated. In the Premier League, this rule was instituted in an effort to avoid an end-of-season play-off; if two sides are level on points, goal difference and goals scored, head-to-head record takes effect.

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Recently, Millwall have won 3 times (1-0 against Reading on 11th of March, 1-0 against Stoke City on 25th of February and 3-2 against Sheffield United on 18th of February), lost twice (2-3 against Norwich City on 4th of March and 1-1 against Luton on 28th of February), drawn twice (1-1 against Burnley on 21st of February) and lost once. On the other hand, Swansea have won once (2-1 against Blackpool on 15th of February), drawn 4 times (3-1 against Middlesbrough on 11th of March; 1-3 against Stoke City at 21st; and lost one match during their last 5 matches.

Prediction

Millwall defeated Swansea City 3-0 to boost their play-off hopes with a third win in five matches. Joel Piroe scored in the second half to give them victory and move them four points off of the top six of the Championship.

Sheffield United and Middlesbrough have already secured the final two places in promotion spots, so Cooper's side must win one of their final two matches against Forest or Luton to guarantee a place in the top six come season's end. A victory would give them 73 points - enough for them to secure an automatic place in the playoffs.

Millwall must find a way to break out of their recent home form, which has seen them score only once in three league matches. However, given that they are currently competing for a play-off spot and with goalscorers such as Benik Afobe, Oliver Burke and Jed Wallace firing on all cylinders, they may just get lucky enough to secure victory.