Verdict: Over 1.5 goals
Best Odds: 4/11
Bookmaker: Luckster
Two camps who will get their respective play-off adventures underway on Friday night, Hull will welcome Millwall to the MKM Stadium for their first-leg showdown.
Hull City
Starting with the hosts, while Hull might have found themselves at the heart of a relegation scrap last season, the Tigers have certainly cemented their spot as one of the Championship’s ultimate surprise packages this time around. However, despite signing off their regular-season adventure with an essential 2-1 victory at home against Norwich, Sergej Jakirovic’s side have shown some real inconsistencies on either side of March’s international break. In fact, that thrilling season-defining win at the MKM Stadium on Saturday lunchtime was the first victory that Hull have recorded from their final seven appearances. Likewise, showing some extended defensive issues, the Tigers have remarkably mustered just a sole clean sheet from any of their last 12 attempts – a run that stems back to the end of February.
Hull City Team News
Hull have already confirmed that former Leeds defender Cody Drameh will once again miss out on Friday night with a quadricep injury. Likewise, the Tigers have confirmed that Manchester United loanee Toby Collyer will miss the Hull’s play-off adventure with a reported ankle injury.
Bagging both goals against Norwich on Saturday lunchtime and registering 17 Championship strikes this season, Scotland International Oliver McBurnie will lead the line here. Croatian goalkeeper Ivor Pandur will start between the sticks this weekend.
Millwall
As for the visitors, while Millwall might have eventually fallen short in the race to book an automatic promotion spot, the Lions have rightfully received a string of plaudits from across England’s second-tier. Eventually forced to settle for a bronze medal finish, Alex Neil’s men have shattered a string of records this year. Last seen over the weekend doing their part as they secured a routine 2-0 victory at home against Oxford United, the former Norwich boss certainly finds the mood in his camp at a red-hot high. Including a thumping 3-1 win away at Stoke on April 21st, Millwall registered 10 points from their final four Championship appearances. It should also be highlighted, Neil’s high-flying squad also lost just a pair of their final 13 showdowns and they are widely regarded as the standout play-off contender this month.
Millwall Team News
Still sidelined with a long-term hamstring injury, Millwall will travel to Yorkshire on Friday night without Scottish youngster Daniel Kelly. However, returning to Neil’s squad over the weekend, former Southampton midfielder Will Smallbone could feature at the MKM Stadium.
Bagging both goals against Oxford on Saturday lunchtime and registering 11 Championship strikes this season, attacking talisman Femi Azeez will play a leading role in the final third. Making a real impact since arriving at the Den last summer, Sunderland loanee Anthony Patterson will start between the sticks.
Hull City vs Millwall Key Factors to Consider
- When Hull last welcomed Millwall to the MKM Stadium back on March 7th, the Lions stormed their way to a thumping 3-1 victory.
- Millwall registered 10 points from their final four Championship appearances.
- Hull’s 2-1 victory against Norwich on Saturday lunchtime was the first win that they collected from their previous seven Championship appearances.
- Friday’s hosts have remarkably mustered just a sole clean sheet from any of their last 12 attempts – a run that stems back to the end of February.
- Five of Millwall’s last six matchups outside of south London have finished with both teams finding the net.
Conclusion
With all eyes falling in Yorkshire on Friday night, we could be treated to a thrilling play-off showdown from the MKM Stadium. Watching Millwall storm their way to a thumping 3-1 victory when they last travelled to Hull back on March 7th, both camps have a habit of producing enjoyable outings. Along with Millwall seeing five of their last six matchups outside of south London finish with both teams finding the net, it should be noted that Hull have remarkably mustered just a sole clean sheet from any of their last 12 attempts.
Verdict: Over 1.5 goals
Best Odds: 4/11
Bookmaker: Luckster
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