Millwall vs. Portsmouth Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 5 April 2025 - bettingexpert
Get ready for a Championship clash as Millwall hosts Portsmouth at The Den this Saturday. As both teams aim to climb the table in these final rounds, every point counts. Millwall, currently sitting in 13th position with 51 points, will look to use their home advantage against Portsmouth, who are four spots below them in 17th with 45 points.
Given both teams’ recent performances, low-scoring games have been a trend. Our match tip recommends betting on under 1.5 goals, reflecting both sides’ solid defensive capabilities and limited scoring in recent matches. With key players like Millwall’s top scorer Mihailo Ivanovic and Pompey’s Colby Bishop poised for action, fans can expect a tightly contested match.
Millwall enjoys a slight historical edge, having won their last three encounters against Portsmouth. Despite injuries hitting both squads, expect a tactical and gritty performance come Saturday.
Millwall vs Portsmouth Prediction & Betting tip
Given the recent defensive forms of both teams, our recommended betting tip is to bet on under 1.5 goals for this match.
| Millwall vs Portsmouth Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Under 1.5 goals | 2.25 |
- Both teams have demonstrated solid defensive capabilities.
- Millwall tends to have low-scoring matches, with fewer goals in recent games.
- Portsmouth has also shown a pattern of low-scoring matches, averaging just 0.80 goals in their last 5 games.
This tip reflects both teams’ recent performances and trends, making it a safe bet for those looking to predict a low-scoring affair.
Millwall vs Portsmouth Odds
Both teams have had mixed recent performances coming into this match, making the odds quite interesting for bettors.
| Millwall vs Portsmouth Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Millwall | 2.25 |
| Draw | 3.02 |
| Portsmouth | 3.37 |
The bookmakers have Millwall as the favourites, likely due to their home advantage and current higher position in the standings. However, Portsmouth’s odds of 3.37 suggest they are capable of an upset, especially given their last win against Blackburn. The draw at 3.02 also presents a viable option, reflecting the tight nature expected for this encounter.
Millwall Team Analysis
Millwall Recent Performance
Millwall has had a mixed bag of results recently, indicating inconsistent form. Here’s a look at their last five matches:
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunderland | Millwall | 2025-03-29 | Championship | 1-0 (Loss) |
| Millwall | Stoke | 2025-03-15 | Championship | 1-0 (Win) |
| Leeds | Millwall | 2025-03-12 | Championship | 2-0 (Loss) |
| Watford | Millwall | 2025-03-08 | Championship | 1-2 (Win) |
| Millwall | Bristol City | 2025-03-04 | Championship | 0-2 (Loss) |
Recent Form: LWLLW
Millwall has struggled to find the back of the net, averaging just 0.60 goals per game in their last five outings. Defensively, they’ve kept one clean sheet in the same period. Their latest match saw them narrowly losing to Sunderland, reflecting a trend towards low-scoring games. Millwall’s solitary win against Stoke and an impressive victory over Watford provide some hope for consistency.
Millwall Key Players
Millwall will look to their top scorer, Mihailo Ivanovic, who has netted six goals this season, to inspire their attack against Portsmouth. Despite struggling for consistency, Ivanovic’s prowess in front of goal could be pivotal.
Billy Mitchell and Casper De Norre will be crucial in midfield, providing the link between defense and attack. Their ability to control the tempo and break down opposition plays will be vital.
In defense, Japhet Tanganga and Jake Cooper will need to be solid, especially against Portsmouth’s forward, Colby Bishop.
Expected lineup for Millwall:
- Goalkeeper: Lukas Jensen
- Defenders: Tristan Crama, Japhet Tanganga, Jake Cooper, Joe Bryan
- Midfielders: Luke Cundle, Casper De Norre, Billy Mitchell, Aidomo Emakhu
- Forwards: Josh Coburn, Aaron Connolly
Millwall Suspensions & Injuries
Millwall faces a series of injury concerns heading into the match against Portsmouth, which could affect their performance and depth.
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Danny McNamara | Knee injury | Late April 2025 |
| Calum Scanlon | Hamstring injury | Mid April 2025 |
| Zak Lovelace | Knee surgery | Mid July 2025 |
| Camiel Neghli | Muscle injury | Mid April 2025 |
| George Honeyman | Hamstring injury | Mid April 2025 |
| Femi Azeez | Hamstring injury | Mid April 2025 |
| Player | Suspension | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Liam Roberts | Red card | 2 matches left |
These absences mean Millwall will have to rely on their squad depth. Key injuries in defense and midfield could impact their stability at the back and creativity going forward. The absence of Liam Roberts due to suspension will also require a re-jig of the defensive line-up, potentially affecting their tactics and organization.
Millwall Tactics and Formation
Millwall Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-4-2
- Key Forwards: Josh Coburn and Aaron Connolly
- Midfield Line: Luke Cundle, Casper De Norre, Billy Mitchell, Aidomo Emakhu
- Defensive Setup: Lukas Jensen (Goalkeeper), Tristan Crama, Japhet Tanganga, Jake Cooper, Joe Bryan
Millwall’s 4-4-2 formation offers a balanced approach with a solid defensive foundation. Despite recent injuries and suspensions, coach Alex Neil will focus on maintaining structure and discipline, particularly in the disrupted backline. Expect Millwall to utilize their wingers, Cundle and Emakhu, for wider plays and crosses into the box targeting forwards Coburn and Connolly. Given their tendency to concede late (especially between the 76-90 minute interval), defensive focus in the closing stages will be crucial.
Portsmouth Team Analysis
Portsmouth Recent Performance
Portsmouth have shown a mixed bag of results in their recent games, clinching important wins but also suffering some crucial losses. Their last five matches provide a glimpse into their form:
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portsmouth | Blackburn | 2025-03-29 | Championship | 1-0 (Win) |
| Preston | Portsmouth | 2025-03-15 | Championship | 2-1 (Loss) |
| Portsmouth | Plymouth | 2025-03-12 | Championship | 1-2 (Loss) |
| Portsmouth | Leeds | 2025-03-09 | Championship | 1-0 (Win) |
| Luton | Portsmouth | 2025-03-01 | Championship | 1-0 (Loss) |
Recent Form: LWWLW
Portsmouth’s defensive setup has been relatively solid, securing two clean sheets in their last five games. However, they’ve averaged only 0.80 goals per match, indicating a struggle in converting opportunities. Their defence, which concedes an average of 1.5 goals per game this season, will need to remain assertive, especially as they face a Millwall team that has scored in 72% of their matches this year.
Portsmouth Key Players
Portsmouth’s key players will be crucial in their attempt to gain an edge in this important Championship clash. Despite being 17th in the standings, their individual talents can make a difference.
Top Scorer:
- Callum Lang (10 goals) – Unfortunately, Lang is out for the rest of the season due to a hamstring injury, a significant loss for Portsmouth’s offensive output.
Expected Lineup for Portsmouth:
- Goalkeeper: Nicolas Schmid
- Defenders: Zak Swanson, Regan Poole, Cohen Bramall, Connor Ogilvie
- Midfielders: Freddie Potts, Andre Dozzell, Matt Ritchie, Adil Aouchiche, Josh Murphy
- Attackers: Colby Bishop
Key Battles:
- Colby Bishop vs Millwall’s Defenders: With Lang out, Bishop will be the focal point up front and must break through a Millwall defense led by Japhet Tanganga and Jake Cooper.
Midfield Duel:
- Adil Aouchiche vs Billy Mitchell: Their battle in the middle of the park will be crucial in dictating the game’s tempo.
Portsmouth Suspensions & Injuries
Portsmouth have a significant list of injuries that will impact their lineup for the upcoming match against Millwall.
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Ibane Bowat | Tendon injury | Out for the season |
| Jacob Farrell | Knee surgery | Early May 2025 |
| Paddy Lane | Knee injury | Late April 2025 |
| Conor Shaughnessy | Hamstring injury | Late April 2025 |
| Callum Lang | Hamstring injury | Out for the season |
| Rob Atkinson | Calf injury | Late April 2025 |
| Hayden Matthews | Ankle injury | Out for the season |
The absence of key players, especially top scorer Callum Lang, is a significant blow to Portsmouth’s offensive capabilities. With Lang out for the season and other defensive and midfield players sidelined, coach John Mousinho will have to rely on the remaining squad depth to navigate through this challenging period. This could impact their overall strategy and performance.
Portsmouth Tactics and Formation
Portsmouth’s Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Key Forward: Colby Bishop
In their typical 4-2-3-1 setup, Portsmouth relies heavily on a solid defense and a single forward approach. Colby Bishop, as the central forward, tends to be the focal point of their attacks, supported by wingers Matt Ritchie and Joshua Murphy.
Their two defensive midfielders, Freddie Potts and Andre Dozzell, play crucial roles in breaking up opposition plays and maintaining a balanced formation.
Despite struggling with numerous injuries, the team has shown defensive resilience, securing two clean sheets in their last five matches. With this formation, they aim to absorb pressure and hit Millwall on the counter.
Millwall vs Portsmouth Head-to-Head Statistics
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portsmouth | Millwall | 2025-01-28 | Championship | 0-1 (Win) |
| Portsmouth | Millwall | 2024-08-13 | EFL Cup | 0-1 (Win) |
| Millwall | Portsmouth | 2021-08-10 | EFL Cup | 2-1 (Win) |
| Portsmouth | Millwall | 2012-04-10 | Championship | 0-1 (Win) |
| Millwall | Portsmouth | 2011-12-26 | Championship | 1-0 (Win) |
Millwall have dominated the recent head-to-head encounters with Portsmouth, winning all the last five meetings.
These results highlight Millwall’s solid performance against Portsmouth across various competitions, including the Championship and the EFL Cup.
Odds accurate as of 04.03.2025 15:05, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.
