Sunderland vs Millwall prediction: ENGLAND: Championship betting tips on match 2024-04-19 14:00.
[p]While he may not get the Sunderland job on a permanent basis, caretaker boss Mike Dodds can be proud of the way he has stabilised a club seemingly in freefall over recent weeks. The 37-year-old took the reins on an interim basis for the third time in February, and after a sticky start to life in the dugout, has guided his side to a run of just one defeat in six matches (W2, D3).[/p]
[p]Remarkably, the Black Cats have kept five clean sheets during that period, including a 1-0 win over ten-man West Brom last weekend. Their form at the Stadium of Light remains a huge concern though, with supporters not witnessing a home win since mid-February thanks to a miserable streak of five games without a win (D2, L3), scoring just twice in the process.[/p]
[p]Visitors Millwall make their longest trip of the season potentially a draw away from securing their Championship status. Back-to-back victories over Leicester and Cardiff have given the visitors a six-point cushion over the relegation zone, and with only three games remaining, they are edging ever closer to an eighth consecutive season in the second tier.[/p]
[p]It is therefore fair to suggest the gamble of bringing Neil Harris back to The Den for a second spell as manager has worked. The Lions boss has won five of his ten games (D2, L3) since replacing Joe Edwards in February, but recent history suggests his side may struggle for another victory in this fixture as they have failed to beat Sunderland in the last five H2Hs (D4, L1).[/p]
[p]Players to watch: The hosts will be hoping Jobe Bellingham has brought his shooting boots, as he has won five of the six games in which he has scored for Sunderland (L1), while netting first or last in each victory. Leading the line for Millwall will be Zian Flemming, who has scored five of his last six goals before half-time.[/p]
[p]Hot stat: Millwall have lost ten of the 11 league games they have been trailing at half-time this season (D1). [/p]