Sunderland vs Millwall prediction: ENGLAND: Championship betting tips on match 2022-09-09 14:00.
The honeymoon period between Sunderland and new boss Tony Mowbray lasted all of one game, as after beating Rotherham 3-0 in his first game in charge, Mowbray’s return to Middlesbrough in the Tees-Wear derby ended in a 1-0 defeat last time out. That loss continues Sunderland’s staggered start to the season (W3, D2, L3), although to be within touching distance of the playoff spots is a respectable position for a newly-promoted side after eight games.
The Black Cats will now return home without the services of top-scorer Ross Stewart, who picked up an injury during the warm-up at Middlesbrough. That could prove a huge blow for Sunderland, whose success relies heavily on getting the ascendancy early, considering none of their last 19 matches to see either side get on the scoresheet saw the team that opened the scoring go on to lose.
Opponents Millwall will have a spring in their step, after snapping a three-game scoreless and losing run in the Championship by beating Cardiff 2-0 last weekend. That was a much needed result for manager Gary Rowett, whose Millwall side were trending towards the wrong end of the table, but with all three of their wins so far this season coming at home, he’ll have to inspire some form on the road to steer his team further away from trouble.
That’s easier said than done of course, as leaving the comfort of The Den hasn’t served the Lions well, since they’re winless in their last 11 away matches (D5, L6). The Stadium of Light hasn’t been a happy hunting ground either, with Millwall having registered just one win in their last nine league visits (D3, L5), hinting at an extension of that dismal away run.
Players to watch: Sunderland will look to Jack Clarke to pick up the pieces left behind by Stewart, with all three of his goals for the club coming at home. Meanwhile, Millwall’s Benik Afobe sealed the win against Cardiff, and he’s now scored his last six league goals after half-time.
Hot stat: Millwall start this game as underdogs, but have only won two of the last 21 away league matches they’ve started as betting outsiders (D9, L10).