Millwall vs Southampton predictions: Saints should take charge early on
- Four of Millwall's five league defeats this season have come at home
- Southampton have been leading at half-time in five of their last six league fixtures
- Recommended bet: Southampton/Southampton Half Time/Full Time
Millwall's patchy form in the Championship cost manager Gary Rowett his job last month and the Lions face a tough test at home to in-form Southampton.
The Saints needed time to gel under Russell Martin, having finished bottom of the Premier League last season, but they have hit their stride recently and have moved into the top six.
That looks ominous for a Millwall side who have already lost four home fixtures this season and are yet to appoint a permanent successor to Rowett.
Millwall, who are continuing their hunt for a new permanent manager, are set to be without the injured Shaun Hutchinson, Matija Sarkic, Joe Bryan, Duncan Watmore and Ryan Leonard.
Kevin Nisbet returned to action in Saturday's draw at Watford.
Southampton's Jack Stephens, Ross Stewart and Juan Larios remain sidelined.
Ryan Manning returned from suspension in the weekend win over Birmingham.
Millwall have drawn four of their last seven league matches.
Both teams have scored in the first half of the Lions' last four Championship games.
Four of Millwall's five league defeats this season have come at home.
Both teams have scored in six of Southampton's seven league wins this season.
Saints have taken 14 points from the last 18 available in the Championship.
Southampton have been leading at half-time in five of their last six league fixtures.
Southampton struggled to find the right balance between attack and defence in the early weeks of Russell Martin's reign, drawing 4-4 at home to Norwich and losing 5-0 at Sunderland and 4-1 against leaders Leicester at St Mary's.
They have looked more assured recently and should extend their unbeaten run to seven matches with a victory over troubled Millwall at The Den.
Fast starts have been a feature of Saints' recent success.
They have been leading at half-time in five of their last six league matches, going on to win four of those games, and the exception was a 2-1 win at Hull, where they opened the scoring in the 20th minute.
Millwall, who have conceded at least twice in four of their last six league matches, may struggle to stand firm against a classy Southampton attacking unit and the visitors are a tempting bet to be leading at half-time and full-time.
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