Millwall vs Hull City: Championship Preview, Gameweek 20, 2022

Play-off chasing Millwall are looking to go six matches unbeaten against struggling Hull City at The Den in Liam Rosenior's first game in charge of the Tigers. 

Millwall vs Hull City: Championship Preview, Gameweek 20, 2022
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 18: Ryan Longman of Hull City fouls Murray Wallace of Millwall during the Sky Bet Championship match between Millwall and Hull City at The Den on April 18, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
jordan-richards
By Jordan Richards

Millwall will look to break into the Championship play-off places on Saturday as they welcome struggling Hull City to The Den.

The Lions will be looking to return to winning ways when they return to SE16 following a goalless draw away to Birmingham City in midweek at St Andrews

The Tigers will also be looking to respond at the weekend following a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Middlesbrough at the MKM Stadium which leaves them only one point clear of Wigan Athletic in the relegation zone.

Chuba Akpom gave the visitors the lead on the night before Cyrus Christie popped up with an equaliser with half an hour to play. 

However, two unfortunate own goals from Tobias Figueiredo and Tigers goal scorer Christie gave Michael Carrick's men all three points on the night. 

The fixture in South-East London will also be the first match for new Hull City head coach Liam Rosenior following his appointment on Thursday. 

Rosenior re-joins the Tigers, this time as head coach following five years as a full-back for the club between 2010 and 2015, replacing Shota Arveladze, who was sacked by the club in late September. 

Team news

Millwall

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Millwall look set to be without striker Benik Afobe after he was ruled out until after the World Cup break. 

The striker picked up a knee injury in the 1-0 defeat away to Huddersfield Town and after not being involved in the goalless draw at Birmingham, boss Gary Rowett confirmed he won't be back until the season pauses for the World Cup

Elsewhere, defender Murray Wallace is suspended for the Lions after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season, having just returned from a groin injury. 

As well as that, Millwall will also be without defender Shaun Hutchinson and midfielder Ryan Leonard, who are both out for the fixture with hamstring injuries.

Hull City

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Hull City could potentially welcome back full-back Callum Elder amongst the squad having battled a recent hamstring problem. 

On-loan Arsenal midfielder Salah-Eddine Oulad M’Hand is back in training with the Tigers but is unlikely to feature for the club before the World Cup break. 

Meanwhile, on-loan Chelsea attacker Harvey Vale has returned from his parent club after sustaining a groin problem whilst on international duty with England Under-20s

As well as that, Benjamin Tetteh, Allahyar Sayyadmanesh, Adama Traore and Vaughn Covil are all confirmed to be missing for the Tigers for the trip to London. 

Likely lineups 

Millwall

Long, McNamara, Cresswell, Cooper, Malone, Saville, Mitchell, Honeyman, Flemming, Bennett, Bradshaw. 

Hull City

Baxter, Christie, Figueiredo, Greaves, Fleming, Seri, Docherty, Slater, Tufan, Pelkas, Estupiñán.

Key players

Millwall - Zian Flemming

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Millwall's Dutch playmaker Zian Flemming has taken to the Championship like a duck to water since moving from Fortuna Sittard from his native Holland in the summer. 

The attacking midfielder has already found the back of the net five times this season in 15 appearances, making himself Millwall's top goal scorer for this season's campaign so far. 

Capable of producing something out of nothing, Hull's defenders could be set for a very tricky afternoon if he starts.

Hull City - Óscar Estupiñán

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It's been a pretty bleak season so far for Hull City with them sitting just above the relegation zone, but a shining light for the Tigers in this campaign has been in the form of striker Óscar Estupiñán. 

The Colombian striker has already notched up eight goals as well as an assist so far this term since his summer move from Portuguese side, Vitória de Guimarães

With Estupiñán in the squad, he has the ability to bring his teammates into play as well as utilising his physical presence up top to grab a goal whilst also giving opposition defenders a hard time with him being difficult to defend against at times. 

We've met before...

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In both meetings between the two clubs last season, both claimed home victories of the exact same score line of 2-1. 

Hull City were 2-1 winners in the first meeting at the MKM Stadium, with now Millwall midfielder George Honeyman opening the scoring.

Tom Bradshaw managed to find an equaliser on the stroke of half-time, but it was to be Ryan Longman who scored the winner, eight minutes into the second half to give the Tigers all three points. 

In the reverse fixture, it was Millwall who won the game 2-1 at The Den. Scott Malone and Bradshaw fired the Lions into a two-goal lead ten minutes into the second half.

Tom Eaves did notch up an 87th minute goal for the visitors, but it was only to be a consolation. 

Match details 

Where is the game being played?

This fixture is being played at The Den, based in New Cross, South-East London. The Den has been the home of Millwall since 1993. 

What time is kick-off?

This fixture will get underway at 15:00 GMT on Saturday, November 5. 

How can I watch the game?

The match will not be televised for supporters in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, although overseas supporters will be able to purchase an iFollow match pass from either club.

Highlights will be available to watch in the UK on ITV4 and globally on social media the following day.