Millwall vs. Watford: Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips

Recent results between the two teams place Millwall at a slight advantage heading into this game. The home side are unbeaten in their last four against Watford, with neither side keeping a clean sheet.

Macauley Langstaff will be eager to impress following his move from Notts County. Last season, Macauley Langstaff scored 28 last season and averaged 1.5 shots on target per game.

Expect cards to occur in this game between two local rivals. Wesley Hoedt, George Saville & Jake Cooper both committed more than one foul per game last season. George Saville received a yellow card in the game at Vicarage Road last season.

With Watford without a clean sheet in four and Millwall having the slight edge, we are leaning towards a 2-1 win for the hosts.

Millwall 2-1 Watford

The start of a new Championship season is always met with a mix of anticipation and anxiety, as clubs vie for a strong beginning to what is inevitably a gruelling campaign. This Saturday, Millwall and Watford are set to face off at The Den, each looking to shake off the shadows of a disappointing last season and build towards a more promising future.

• Date: 10/08/2024
• Kick-off time: 12:30
• Location: The Den, Bermondsey

Millwall's 13th-place finish last season was emblematic of a turbulent campaign that saw them embroiled in the relegation battle for much of the year. Despite the mid-table finish, their journey through the Championship was quite a slog.

The appointment of Neil Harris for his second spell as manager proved to be a turning point for Millwall. Harris, who has a storied history with the club, seemed to inject a sense of familiarity and resilience into the squad upon his return. His understanding of the club's culture and expectations provided a foundation upon which Millwall could rebuild their confidence.

Harris' managerial stints at Gillingham and Cambridge may not have been particularly remarkable, but his affinity with Millwall sets him apart. He knows the intricacies of the club's dynamics and appears to possess the strategic insight needed to steer the team clear of relegation battles. His pragmatic approach to management focuses on discipline, work rate, and tactical organisation, qualities that Millwall will likely exhibit as the season unfolds.

Millwall's transfer activity this summer has been shrewd and purposeful. The acquisition of Japhet Tanganga from Tottenham Hotspur is a statement of intent. Tanganga, a fine defender with Premier League experience, brings much-needed solidity to Millwall's backline. His ability to play both as a centre-back and right-back provides Harris with tactical flexibility, which will be invaluable in a league as demanding as the Championship.

Equally significant is the signing of Macaulay Langstaff from Notts County. Langstaff, a prolific scorer in the lower leagues, has the potential to address Millwall's goal-scoring concerns. His movement off the ball and clinical finishing could prove to be the difference in tight matches, offering Harris a reliable option in attack.

While a push for the playoffs might be overly optimistic, Millwall seem to be positioning themselves as a tough side to beat. The team's cohesion, combined with Harris' leadership, suggests that they are unlikely to be dragged into another relegation scrap. A mid-table finish with an eye on steady improvement appears to be a realistic goal for the Lions this season.

Watford's 15th-place finish in the Championship last season was a stark reflection of their struggles. The Hornets, who have frequently oscillated between the Premier League and Championship, found themselves unable to maintain the consistency required to challenge for promotion. Their performances were marred by a lack of cohesion and an inability to find the back of the net when it mattered most.

The managerial upheaval that saw Tom Cleverly take charge in March brought some measure of improvement. However, the damage had already been done, and Cleverly's influence, though positive, was insufficient to significantly alter the team's trajectory. Watford's inconsistency, particularly in away matches, was a major factor in their underwhelming campaign.

Tom Cleverly's transition from player to manager has been a relatively smooth one, owing to his deep understanding of the club's ethos and his rapport with the players. However, this season poses an even greater challenge for the rookie manager. The departure of Ismaël Koné to Marseille is a significant blow. Koné's dynamic presence in midfield was a key asset for Watford, and his loss leaves a noticeable void.

Moreover, the potential exit of Yáser Asprilla adds another layer of uncertainty. Asprilla, a talented young Colombian, showcased glimpses of his potential last season. His departure would further deplete Watford's attacking options, placing additional pressure on Cleverly to find creative solutions.

Watford's recruitment strategy has been a mix of promise and pragmatism. The signing of Rocco Vata, a highly regarded Irish prospect, offers hope for the future. Vata's technical ability and versatility could prove to be vital assets as the season progresses. However, it remains to be seen how quickly he can adapt to the rigours of Championship football.

The acquisition of Moussa Sissoko, formerly of Tottenham Hotspur, adds experience to the squad. At 34, Sissoko may not be the dynamic force he once was, but his leadership and work ethic can have a positive influence on the younger players. His presence in midfield could provide Watford with much-needed stability and resilience.

Despite these additions, Watford's squad still feels lacking in quality. The Championship is unforgiving, and the Hornets may find themselves struggling to keep pace with more well-rounded teams. While Cleverly has shown promise as a manager, the task of guiding Watford to safety is formidable, and a relegation battle cannot be entirely ruled out.

Predicting the outcome of the opening weekend is always challenging, given the unpredictability of Championship football. However, Millwall's stability and home advantage make them slight favourites in this encounter. A closely fought contest is expected, with both teams eager to make a statement.

This game will be aired live to all subscribed U.K. viewers on Sky Sports +.

Millwall Team News:

Neil Harris has favoured England youth winger Romaine Esse in preseason so he could be granted a start here.

New signing Lukas Jensen should start between the sticks, as should Japhet Tanganga at centre-back.

Predicted lineup: Jensen; McNamara, Cooper, Tanganga, Bryan; Esse, De Norre, Saville, Watmore; Flemming, Bradshaw.

Watford Team News:

The Hornets will be captained by new singing Moussa Sissoko, who is at Watford for his second spell at the club.

He will, though, likely be the only new signing to start here.

Predicted lineup: Bachmann; Sierralta, Porteous, Pollock; Andrews, Kayembe, Dele-Bashiru, Ngakia; Sissoko, Bayo, Chakvetadze.

Millwall ended the Championship season in outstanding form, winning all of their final five games, The Lions beat champions Leicester City 1-0, before putting Cardiff City to the sword in a 3-1 win. After that, Millwall recorded three consecutive 1-0 wins against Sunderland, Plymouth Argyle and Swansea City.

Preseason hasn't been particularly successful results-wise, with the Lions winning only two of seven games - 2-1 wins against Reading and Real Murcia. Defeats included 0-1 losses to Colchester United and Southampton on top of a 2-1 loss to Nottingham Forest.

Watford's final five games of the Championship season were largely games to forget, as the Hornets registered just one win. Watford drew 0-0 with Ipswich Town, lost 3-2 to Southampton, drew 0-0 with Hull City and beat Sunderland 1-0 before falling to a 3-1 loss to Middlesbrough on the final day of the campaign.

Watford have struggled in preseason, winning just two of seven games, with those wins coming against Boreham Wood (1-0) and Hibernian (3-2). In between that have been losses to Reading (0-2) Gillingham (2-0) and Wycombe Wanderers (3-2), in addition to draws against Stevenage (2-2) and Brentford (1-1).

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