Millwall vs Bristol City Prediction, Match Preview, Monday, 29 December

Millwall will host Bristol City at The Den on Monday, 29 December, in a crucial Championship clash. This fixture sees Millwall, a team with a strong home record, taking on Bristol City, who are eager to climb the league standings. Both sides are looking to secure valuable points as the season progresses, making this encounter significant for their respective campaigns.

The Den will provide the stage for this exciting Championship fixture, where Millwall will aim to capitalise on their home advantage against Bristol City. With both teams harbouring aspirations for a higher league position, the outcome of this match could have important implications for their season objectives. Fans can expect a competitive game as both sides strive for victory in this late December showdown.

Millwall vs Bristol City Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Millwall vs Bristol City – Draw	3.1

Given the closely matched nature of this contest and the defensive records of both teams, our recommended betting tip is to back the draw. Millwall’s resilience at home, combined with Bristol City’s solid defensive record on the road, points towards a stalemate.

• Bristol City have kept seven clean sheets this season, including four away, showcasing their defensive solidity.
• Millwall have a strong home record and have scored in 74% of matches this season, ensuring they are tough to beat at The Den.
• Both teams have shown attacking inconsistencies, which aligns with a cautious approach and the likelihood of a draw.

The statistics support a low-scoring, evenly contested match, making the draw a solid choice for punters.

Betting Odds

Millwall are priced as slight favourites at 2.34, but Bristol City, with odds of 2.95, could offer punters some value given their recent performances. A draw is also on the cards at 3.27, reflecting the evenly matched nature of this Championship clash.

Betting Tip	Odds
Millwall to win	2.34
Draw	3.27
Bristol City to win	2.95

For those looking at alternative markets, consider both teams to score, as both sides have shown a knack for finding the net in recent fixtures. The over 2.5 goals market might also be worth a punt, given the attacking intent both teams have displayed this season.

Millwall Analysis & Past Performance

Millwall’s recent form in the Championship has been a mix of resilience and inconsistency. Over their last five matches, Millwall have managed one victory, two draws, and two losses, indicating some struggles in maintaining momentum. Their most recent game ended in a goalless draw against Ipswich, highlighting their current challenges in attack.

Home Side	Away Side	Result	League	Date
Millwall	Ipswich	0 – 0 (Draw)	Championship	26 Dec 2025
Blackburn	Millwall	2 – 0 (Defeat)	Championship	20 Dec 2025
Millwall	Hull	1 – 3 (Defeat)	Championship	13 Dec 2025
Derby	Millwall	1 – 1 (Draw)	Championship	10 Dec 2025
Bristol City	Millwall	0 – 1 (Victory)	Championship	6 Dec 2025

Recent Form:

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In their last five outings, Millwall have averaged 0.60 goals per game, while conceding an average of 1.20 goals. Despite these challenges, they’ve managed to keep two clean sheets, demonstrating some defensive solidity. At home, their performance has been relatively better, with two wins, two draws, and one loss from their last five matches at The Den. This home record reflects a win ratio of 40%, contributing to their mid-table standing of 7th in the league with 36 points.

Millwall Suspensions & Injuries

Millwall will be without several key players due to injuries and suspensions, which could significantly impact their tactical setup against Bristol City. The absence of Femi Azeez, who is serving the last of his three-match suspension for a red card, will be particularly felt in the attacking third, where his creativity and pace have been crucial. This suspension forces a reshuffle, potentially offering an opportunity for Aidomo Emakhu to step into a more prominent role.

Player	Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Femi Azeez	Red card	1	Unknown

Injuries are also a concern for Millwall, with players such as Benicio Baker, Will Smallbone, and Josh Coburn all sidelined until early January 2026. These absences limit the midfield options available to Alex Neil, forcing him to rely heavily on the likes of Billy Mitchell and Macaulay Langstaff to control the centre of the park. The defensive unit remains intact, which is a relief given the Achilles tendon injury to Lukas Jensen, sidelining him until mid-January.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Lukas Jensen	Achilles tendon injury	Mid January 2026
Benicio Baker	Groin injury	Early January 2026
Massimo Luongo	Cruciate ligament injury	Early July 2026
Josh Coburn	Hip injury	Early January 2026
Will Smallbone	Hamstring injury	Early January 2026
Derek Mazou-Sacko	Knee injury	Early January 2026
Luke Cundle	Shoulder injury	Early February 2026
Casper de Norre	Calf injury	Early January 2026
Daniel Kelly	Hamstring injury	Mid January 2026

The tactical impact of these injuries and suspensions is significant, as it may push Millwall to adopt a more conservative approach. With limited options in the attacking and midfield areas, a focus on defensive solidity might be prioritised. Betting markets will likely take these absences into account, potentially affecting odds in favour of Bristol City, given Millwall’s compromised squad depth.

Millwall Key Players

Millwall’s attacking thrust will be heavily reliant on the performances of Aidomo Emakhu and Mihailo Ivanović. While Femi Azeez, the team’s top scorer with six goals, is absent due to suspension, Emakhu and Ivanović must step up to fill the void. Emakhu, with his pace and agility, is expected to exploit spaces in Bristol City’s defence, while Ivanović’s creativity and vision could prove pivotal in breaking down defensive lines.

In midfield, Billy Mitchell is expected to command the central areas. His ability to control the tempo and distribute the ball effectively will be crucial in maintaining possession and transitioning into attack. Defensively, Jake Cooper’s presence is indispensable. His aerial prowess and leadership at the back are vital for Millwall’s defensive structure, potentially neutralising Bristol City’s attacking threats.

• Goalkeeper: Max Crocombe
• Defence: Caleb Taylor, Jake Cooper, Tristan Crama, Joe Bryan
• Midfield: Alfie Doughty, Billy Mitchell, Camiel Neghli
• Forward: Aidomo Emakhu, Macaulay Langstaff, Mihailo Ivanović

Expected lineup for Millwall

The tactical approach will likely revolve around solid defensive organisation and quick transitions, leveraging the strengths of Mitchell in midfield and the attacking duo up front. Millwall will need to capitalise on set-pieces with Cooper’s aerial ability, aiming to secure a decisive edge in this Championship clash.

Millwall Tactics and Formation

Millwall Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-5-1
• Key Forward: Mihailo Ivanović
• Midfield Engine: Billy Mitchell and Alfie Doughty
• Defensive Record: Two clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Compact defensive shape and counter-attacking play.

Millwall’s 4-5-1 formation is designed to provide a solid defensive structure while allowing quick transitions to attack. The midfield is anchored by Billy Mitchell and Alfie Doughty, who play crucial roles in both breaking up opposition attacks and initiating forward moves. This setup aims to exploit the wings through Macaulay Langstaff and Aidomo Emakhu, providing width and support to the lone striker, Mihailo Ivanović.

Defensively, Millwall have shown resilience, as evidenced by their two clean sheets in the last five matches. The backline, including Tristan Crama and Caleb Taylor, plays a pivotal role in maintaining a compact shape, making it difficult for opponents to penetrate. Joe Bryan adds experience and leadership in defence, contributing to their stability at the back.

Offensively, Millwall focus on counter-attacking opportunities, utilising the pace and work rate of Ivanović to stretch defences. Their ability to absorb pressure and hit on the break has been a strategic advantage, especially in home games at The Den where they have secured a decent home form.

Bristol City Analysis & Past Performance

Bristol City’s recent form has been somewhat inconsistent, with a record of two wins, two losses, and one draw in their last five matches. Notably, they managed a significant victory against West Bromwich (2-1) and a clean sheet win over Middlesbrough (2-0), yet suffered a narrow defeat against Coventry (0-1) and a draw with Leicester (2-2).

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
West Bromwich	Bristol City	1 – 2 (Win)	Championship	26 Dec 2025
Bristol City	Middlesbrough	2 – 0 (Win)	Championship	20 Dec 2025
Coventry	Bristol City	1 – 0 (Loss)	Championship	13 Dec 2025
Bristol City	Leicester	2 – 2 (Draw)	Championship	10 Dec 2025
Bristol City	Millwall	0 – 1 (Loss)	Championship	6 Dec 2025

Recent Form:
In terms of performance statistics, Bristol City have averaged 1.20 goals per match over their last five fixtures, while conceding an average of 1.00 goal per game. The team have achieved one clean sheet in this period, indicating some defensive vulnerabilities. Their win ratio stands at 40% for both overall and away matches, reflecting a balanced but somewhat unpredictable performance.

Bristol City’s attack is spearheaded by Anis Mehmeti, who is their top scorer with seven goals this season. Defensively, the team have shown resilience but are occasionally caught out, as evidenced by four games in the last five where they conceded goals. Their ability to score in three out of the last five matches suggests a capable forward line that can pose threats, although consistency remains key.

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Bristol City Suspensions & Injuries

The absence of key players due to injuries is a significant concern for Bristol City as they face Millwall. Luke McNally, Joe Williams, and Mark Sykes, all sidelined until mid-January, pose a challenge, particularly in maintaining defensive solidity and midfield creativity. Max Bird’s calf injury leaves his involvement doubtful, further stretching the squad’s depth. The knee injury to Radek Vitek means options in goalkeeping remain limited, though Max O’Leary is expected to start given his presence in the last lineup. Fally Mayulu’s muscle injury also sidelines him until mid-January, impacting Bristol City’s attacking options.

Player	Ban	Matches Left	Expected Return
Harry Cornick	Post-match ban	2	Unknown

Harry Cornick’s suspension, with two matches remaining, adds to Bristol City’s woes. His absence requires tactical adjustments in the forward line, potentially increasing reliance on Emil Riis Jakobsen to spearhead the attack. This suspension might necessitate a reshuffle, with Scott Twine or Anis Mehmeti stepping up to fill the gap in attacking plays, affecting how Bristol City approach their offensive strategy.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Luke McNally	Cruciate ligament injury	Mid January 2026
Joe Williams	Ankle injury	Mid January 2026
Max Bird	Calf injury	Doubtful
Mark Sykes	Hip injury	Mid January 2026
Radek Vitek	Knee injury	Early February 2026
Fally Mayulu	Muscle injury	Mid January 2026

These unavailabilities necessitate significant tactical reevaluation by coach Gerhard Struber. Defensive and midfield adjustments will be crucial, likely involving deeper positioning and reliance on counter-attacks to balance the squad’s weakened structure. The absence of these players could influence betting markets, as Bristol City’s depleted lineup might struggle to match Millwall’s intensity, potentially skewing odds against them.

Bristol City Key Players

Anis Mehmeti stands out as Bristol City’s top scorer, having netted seven goals this season. His ability to find the back of the net is instrumental in leading the attack, particularly in tight matches where a single goal could make a crucial difference. Mehmeti’s agility and sharp instincts in the box make him a constant threat to opposition defences.

In midfield, the influence of Scott Twine cannot be overlooked. As a playmaker, Twine orchestrates the team’s tempo and creates opportunities with his precise passing and vision. His partnership with Adam Randell and Jason Knight offers a dynamic midfield trio capable of both defensive duties and launching quick attacks. In defence, Zak Vyner provides stability and leadership, essential for maintaining a solid backline.

Expected lineup for Bristol City

• Goalkeeper: Max O’Leary
• Defence: Ross McCrorie, Robert Dickie, Zak Vyner, Cameron Pring
• Midfield: Adam Randell, Jason Knight, Scott Twine, Neto Borges
• Forward: Anis Mehmeti, Emil Riis Jakobsen

Bristol City Tactics and Formation

Bristol City Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Expected to line up in a 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Emil Riis Jakobsen
• Midfield Pivot: Ross McCrorie and Jason Knight
• Defensive Strength: Agile defence with Zak Vyner and Rob Dickie
• Notable Strategy: High pressing and rapid transitions.

Bristol City are likely to employ a 4-3-3 formation, which allows them to maintain balance between attack and defence. With Ross McCrorie and Jason Knight in midfield, the team can control the tempo and provide defensive coverage. Anis Mehmeti, the top scorer, enhances their attacking threat from the wing.

Defensively, Bristol City are anchored by Zak Vyner and Rob Dickie, who provide a robust central defence. Their recent performance against West Bromwich, where they conceded just once despite high pressure, underscores their defensive resilience, although they have managed only one clean sheet in the last five matches.

Offensively, the team focus on high pressing and quick transitions, with Emil Riis Jakobsen leading the line. This approach can stretch opposition defences and create scoring opportunities, especially effective in the latter stages of the game.

Millwall vs Bristol City Head-to-Head Record

Millwall and Bristol City have faced off 29 times, with Millwall slightly ahead in the head-to-head record, boasting 12 wins to Bristol City’s 10, alongside seven draws. Their most recent encounter saw Millwall claim a 1-0 victory away at Bristol City in the Championship earlier this month.

The last time Millwall hosted Bristol City at The Den, they suffered a 0-2 defeat back in March 2025. Historically, Millwall have been stronger at home, but recent results suggest Bristol City are capable of causing an upset.

Home Team	Away Team	Score	League	Date
Bristol City	Millwall	0 – 1	Championship	2025-12-06
Millwall	Bristol City	0 – 2	Championship	2025-03-04
Bristol City	Millwall	4 – 3	Championship	2024-08-17
Bristol City	Millwall	0 – 1	Championship	2024-01-01
Millwall	Bristol City	0 – 1	Championship	2023-08-12