Millwall vs. Luton Town

Millwall and Luton Town square off on Friday afternoon looking for the victory which would boost their hopes of securing a Championship playoff spot.

While the home side sit four points clear of seventh position, the visitors are fourth in the standings and as many as 10 points ahead in the race for the top six.

Match preview

When Rob Edwards was handed the reins at Luton, his remit was to deliver a playoff spot, even with the club perceived to be considerable outsiders in the race for the top six.

However, Edwards has delivered and then some, Luton winning four of their last five fixtures to establish a 10-point advantage with seven matches remaining.

Edwards will want to secure a playoff spot before thinking too far ahead, yet the Hatters remain just six points adrift of second-placed Sheffield United.

Although Luton have played a match more than the Blades, that will not stop Edwards and his players from believing that they can close down the Yorkshire outfit during the run-in.

For that to be achieved, though, they may require a near-perfect set of results from now until May 8, and Millwall represent opposition scrapping for the same goal.

Gary Rowett will be desperately disappointed with the Lions’ last two results, a 1-0 defeat to Huddersfield Town being followed by a goalless draw at West Bromwich Albion.

Nevertheless, Millwall remain in fifth position for the time being and possess one of the more favourable schedules for the remainder of the campaign.

Such a run of games may be required with just three wins coming from eight outings, and they have also lost two of their most recent three encounters at The Den.

These two teams last met as recently as February 28, Millwall leading 2-0 at Kenilworth Road before being pegged back to settle for a 2-2 draw.

Team News

Despite the mixed feelings over a goalless draw at The Hawthorns, Rowett will not overly tinker with his Millwall XI for this fixture.

Andreas Voglsammer is likely to return on the flank ahead of Duncan Watmore, while Jamie Shackleton may potentially be recalled in midfield.

However, Charlie Cresswell is expected to miss out with a fractured eye socket, with Shaun Hutchinson to deputise at centre-back.

Barring any fitness issues, Edwards should stick with the Luton starting lineup from the win over Watford.

While Reece Burke, Sonny Bradley and Luke Berry are all alternatives in defence and midfield, they should remain on the substitutes’ bench.

Millwall possible starting lineup:
Long; McNamara, Hutchinson, Cooper, Wallace; Leonard, Saville; Honeyman, Flemming, Voglsammer; Bradshaw

Luton Town possible starting lineup:
Horvath; Osho, Lockyer, Bell; Drameh, Mpanzu, Nakamba, Doughty; Campbell; Morris, Adebayo