An intriguing tie sees Millwall host Watford at The Den on Saturday in a game which could significantly alter the future outlook of both clubs for different reasons.
Millwall are still fighting for their Championship status, however things are looking far more positive than at this time last week. The Lions would gain their first win in seven in the league, and it was a surprising one, defeating high-flyers Southampton away from home.
That win coincided with new manager Neil Harris’ first game in charge of his new tenure with the club, and he arguably couldn’t have gotten off to a better start. Although they do sit precariously above the relegation zone in 20th, and just one point ahead of Stoke in 22nd, under Harris, they are expected to pull away from the rest of the teams at the bottom.
Watford, although not involved in a relegation battle, may also look to change their manager in the coming weeks to spark something in the team. With just one win in their last seven, that being against bottom side Rotherham United, Valerian Ismael’s seat is getting hotter by the game. Given how frequently the Hornets opt to change their manager, a loss could well see Ismael’s tenure brought to an end.
Here’s how two of The Real EFL’s writing team see things panning out…
“Despite the disparity in their positions in the table, Millwall could be perceived as slight favourites and they’ll certainly fancy their chances in this. They picked up a huge win in their bid for survival last week against Southampton and will want to continue their momentum now back at The Den.
Neil Harris will be hoping that the result wasn’t just down to a new manager ‘bounce’ and that his side can find some consistency in the coming weeks to pull away from their rivals. Watford look destined for mid-table obscurity at this point and really don’t have much to play for, I’ve got a feeling that is already in some players’ minds.
As a result, I expect Harris to retain his 100% record in this new tenure, and Millwall to further distance themselves from the drop.
Millwall 2-1 Watford
“Millwall fans will be coming into this game with a real hope that they can make a move further up the table after they managed to turn their fortunes around last weekend with a victory against promotion hopefuls Southampton. It is of course still too early to say whether the switch in manager to Neil Harris will have the desired effect between now and the final game of the season, however, they have started as they mean to go on.
Watford have also been on a relatively poor run recently. Only two wins in the eleven matches since Christmas will worry fans at Vicarage Road, although, the club are yet to take action on their management team, and the ‘corner flag photo’ is yet to be used. A loss this weekend could however see Valerien Ismael’s time at the club ended.
With Millwall potentially having started their resurgence up the division to finish the season, and Watford seemingly in free fall, I see the home side just pipping their opposition here.”
Millwall 1-0 Watford
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