Blackburn vs. Millwall Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 18 April 2025 - bettingexpert
Football fans, we’ve got an intriguing Championship clash on 18 April 2025 as Blackburn Rovers take on Millwall at Ewood Park. This is a crucial match for both teams with playoff ambitions in sight. Both sides are currently in the top half of the table, with Blackburn sitting 10th on 56 points and Millwall just ahead in 9th on 60 points.
Blackburn’s recent form under Valérien Ismaël has been subpar, winning only one of their last eight matches. Rumours are swirling about Wayne Rooney potentially taking over the reins, which adds an extra layer of intrigue to this fixture.
Millwall, on the other hand, have been formidable lately, winning four out of their last five matches. Their defence has been solid, conceding only two goals in that period. Given this form and their strong defensive record, our recommended bet is for Millwall to win.
This match promises to be a nail-biter, given the stakes and both teams’ desire to secure playoff spots.
Blackburn vs Millwall Prediction & Betting Tip
Our recommendation for this match is to back Millwall to win. Here’s why:
| Blackburn vs Millwall Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Millwall to win (Away Win) | 3.20 |
- Form: Millwall have won 4 out of their last 5 matches, showcasing their strong form.
- Defense: Millwall boasts a solid defense, conceding only 2 goals in their last 5 games.
- Motivation: Millwall are in the hunt for a playoff spot, sitting just 4 points above Blackburn.
Given these factors, betting on Millwall to win seems a reasonable choice.
Blackburn vs Millwall Odds
| Blackburn vs Millwall Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Blackburn | 2.31 |
| Draw | 3.07 |
| Millwall | 3.20 |
Blackburn, playing at home, are the favourites with odds of 2.31. However, Millwall are just behind at 3.20, reflecting their strong form and solid defence.
With Blackburn struggling recently and Millwall on a winning streak, the away side seems a valuable choice for those looking for a higher return. The draw is also a possibility at 3.07, considering Blackburn’s knack for resilience at times.
Blackburn Team Analysis
Blackburn Recent Performance
Blackburn Rovers have struggled recently, with only one win in their last five matches. They managed a single victory against Luton with a 1-0 scoreline, drew against Sheffield Wednesday, and suffered defeats to Middlesbrough, Portsmouth, and Cardiff. Their average goals scored in the last five matches is 0.80, and they’ve managed just one clean sheet in this period, highlighting their defensive woes.
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luton | Blackburn | 2025-04-12 | Championship | 0-1 (Win) |
| Blackburn | Sheffield Wednesday | 2025-04-08 | Championship | 2-2 (Draw) |
| Blackburn | Middlesbrough | 2025-04-04 | Championship | 0-2 (Loss) |
| Portsmouth | Blackburn | 2025-03-29 | Championship | 1-0 (Loss) |
| Blackburn | Cardiff | 2025-03-15 | Championship | 1-2 (Loss) |
Blackburn’s recent form indicates a rough patch, largely influenced by coaching uncertainties and key injuries. Coach Valérien Ismaël’s tenure includes just one win from eight matches, putting additional pressure on the squad for a positive result. Despite their current 10th position in the table, the team has a lot to prove if they want to make a late push for the playoff spots.
Blackburn Key Players
Blackburn Rovers will lean heavily on their leading goal scorer, Yuki Ohashi, who has netted 8 goals this season. Ohashi, playing as the center forward, will look to exploit any defensive lapses from Millwall.
Other impactful players include Todd Cantwell in the attacking midfielder role, who can be crucial in linking up play and creating opportunities. Tyrhys Dolan and Ryan Hedges on the wings will aim to stretch Millwall’s defense and make incisive runs.
Key individual battles to watch out for:
- Yuki Ohashi vs Jake Cooper: Ohashi will need to get past Millwall’s strong central defender.
- Todd Cantwell vs Casper De Norre: Cantwell will seek to dominate the midfield against De Norre.
Expected lineup for Blackburn:
- Goalkeeper: Balázs Tóth
- Defenders: Kristi Montgomery, Dominic Hyam, Danny Batth, Yuri Ribeiro
- Midfielders: Sondre Tronstad, Lewis Travis, Tyrhys Dolan, Todd Cantwell, Ryan Hedges
- Forward: Yuki Ohashi
Blackburn Suspensions & Injuries
Blackburn Rovers are currently dealing with a significant number of injuries, which could impact their performance in the upcoming match against Millwall. The absence of several key players will require coach Valérien Ismaël to make adjustments to his tactical setup and rely heavily on the squad’s depth.
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Scott Wharton | Cruciate ligament injury | Mid May 2025 |
| Zak Gilsenan | Muscle injury | Late April 2025 |
| Harry Leonard | Leg injury | Late April 2025 |
| Andreas Weimann | Meniscus injury | Early June 2025 |
| Augustus Kargbo | Hamstring injury | Late April 2025 |
| Callum Brittain | Calf injury | Late April 2025 |
| Emmanuel Dennis | Hamstring injury | Late April 2025 |
| Hayden Carter | Calf injury | Early May 2025 |
| Owen Beck | Hamstring injury | Late May 2025 |
| Aynsley Pears | Achilles tendon injury | Late June 2025 |
The number of injuries, especially in critical positions, might weaken Blackburn’s defensive and attacking options. This could be a challenging task for Ismaël to field a competitive lineup that can contend with a well-performing Millwall side.
Blackburn Tactics and Formation
Blackburn Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Key Forward: Yuki Ohashi, who with 8 goals is the team’s top scorer.
- Midfield Trio: Tyrhys Dolan, Todd Cantwell, Ryan Hedges
- Defensive Strength: Only one clean sheet in the last five games.
- Notable Strategy: Valérien Ismaël prefers a balanced approach, focusing on maintaining possession and building play from the back through defenders like Dominic Hyam and Danny Batth.
Despite recent struggles under Ismaël, Blackburn will look to exploit Millwall’s defense by leveraging Cantwell’s creativity and Ohashi’s finishing ability. Their setup could provide defensive cover while seeking to break down Millwall’s solid backline.
Millwall Team Analysis
Millwall Recent Performance
Millwall have shown impressive form in their recent matches, boasting a strong record of 4 wins and 1 loss in their last 5 games. Their consistency has come at a crucial time in the season as they fight for a playoff spot. Defensively, they have been solid, securing 3 clean sheets in their last 5 fixtures, while offensively, they have managed to score at a steady pace, averaging 1 goal per game.
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Millwall | Middlesbrough | 2025-04-12 | Championship | 1-0 (Win) |
| Sheffield United | Millwall | 2025-04-08 | Championship | 0-1 (Win) |
| Millwall | Portsmouth | 2025-04-05 | Championship | 2-1 (Win) |
| Sunderland | Millwall | 2025-03-29 | Championship | 1-0 (Loss) |
| Millwall | Stoke | 2025-03-15 | Championship | 1-0 (Win) |
Millwall’s recent performances highlight their resilience and effectiveness in grinding out close games. The team has been particularly commendable in maintaining their defensive stability, conceding just 2 goals in their last 5 matches. This defensive prowess, combined with strategic offensive plays, underscores their current form and ambitions in the Championship.
Millwall Key Players
Key individuals for Millwall will be crucial as they look to secure those vital points. The top scorer, Mihailo Ivanovic, who has netted 8 goals this season, will be looked upon to breach Blackburn’s defence.
Expected lineup for Millwall:
- Goalkeeper: Lukas Jensen
- Defenders: Tristan Crama, Ryan Leonard, Jake Cooper, Joe Bryan
- Midfielders: George Honeyman, Casper De Norre, Billy Mitchell, Luke Cundle
- Forwards: Aidomo Emakhu, Mihailo Ivanovic
Keep an eye on pivotal matchups such as Ivanovic versus Dominic Hyam, which could decide the game’s outcome. Millwall’s strategy will hinge on their consistent midfield, with players like Honeyman orchestrating play.
Millwall Suspensions & Injuries
Here’s the latest on the injury front for Millwall:
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Danny McNamara | Knee injury | Late April 2025 |
| Calum Scanlon | Hamstring injury | Late April 2025 |
| Zak Lovelace | Knee surgery | Mid July 2025 |
| Japhet Tanganga | Broken wrist | Mid May 2025 |
| Shaun Hutchinson | Leg injury | Early May 2025 |
| Aaron Connolly | Ankle injury | Doubtful |
These injuries might affect Millwall’s squad depth, but they have coped well recently, boasting a strong record even with these absences. The defense, with key players like Jake Cooper and Joe Bryan, will be crucial, especially given the absence of McNamara and Tanganga. The team will need to manage Connolly’s doubtful status carefully, as he can be a game-changer. Despite the setbacks, Millwall’s recent form suggests they have the resilience to maintain their performance levels.
Millwall Tactics and Formation
Millwall Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-4-2
- Key Forwards: Mihailo Ivanovic and Aidomo Emakhu
- Midfield: George Honeyman and Luke Cundle provide width, while Casper De Norre and Billy Mitchell maintain central control.
- Defensive Strength: A strong defensive unit, allowing only 2 goals in the last 5 matches.
- Notable Strategy: Utilizes a compact defense and quick transitions, often looking for counter-attacks to leverage Ivanovic’s scoring prowess.
Millwall’s current form showcases disciplined defending and efficiency upfront, focusing on soaking up pressure and striking on the break. The midfield’s blend of physicality and creativity is crucial in both shielding the backline and supporting the forwards.
Blackburn vs Millwall Head-to-Head Statistics
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Millwall | Blackburn Rovers | 2024-12-21 | Championship | 1-0 (Loss) |
| Blackburn Rovers | Millwall | 2024-03-05 | Championship | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Millwall | Blackburn Rovers | 2023-10-24 | Championship | 1-2 (Win) |
| Millwall | Blackburn Rovers | 2023-05-08 | Championship | 3-4 (Win) |
| Blackburn Rovers | Millwall | 2022-10-01 | Championship | 2-1 (Win) |
In their last five encounters, Blackburn Rovers have been slightly more dominant against Millwall, recording three wins, one draw, and one loss. This implies a competitive showdown ahead at Ewood Park. Millwall’s lone win came in their most recent clash, which could give them a psychological edge.
Odds accurate as of 16/04/2025 15:04, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.
