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Huddersfield vs Millwall predictions: Relegation candidates set for repeat stalemate

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Huddersfield boss Andre Breitenreiter will be looking to end a run of six games without a victory
Huddersfield boss Andre Breitenreiter will be looking to end a run of six games without a victory

– Huddersfield are winless in six games
– Millwall have won just one of their last seven away games
– Recommended bet: 
Draw

Championship relegation rivals Huddersfield and Millwall meet in what could be a critical clash for both sides on Saturday.

The Terriers sit in 22nd place following a run of six games without a victory but have shown signs of improvement under new boss Andre Breitenreiter.

He was appointed in February, as was his counterpart Neil Harris, who returned to take over the Lions following spells at Gillingham and Cambridge.

The Millwall legend made an immediate impact, winning three and drawing one of his first four games, but things have gone off the boil as the Lions have taken just one point from their last three games.

They are teetering towards the relegation places and it may be a case of playing to avoid defeat rather than going all-out for victory.

The reverse game finished 1-1 and it could be a similar outcome on Saturday.

Team news

Injuries have been an issue for the Terriers throughout the season and Breitenreiter’s side is again likely to have a youthful look, with teenager Brodie Spencer set to play at the back alongside Matty Pearson and Michal Helik.

Kian Harratt is also suspended for the hosts, while Millwall also have injury issues to deal with.

Strikers Kevin Nisbet and Tom Bradshaw are long-term absentees, so Michael Obafemi and Zian Flemming are expected to play up front.

The stats

Huddersfield have failed to win any of their last six games and have the third-worst home record in the Championship, winning only five of 20 matches in Kirklees, including losing three of their last four.

Defender Helik is the Terriers’ top scorer, with nine goals, two more than Millwall’s sharpest shooter, Flemming, who has seven strikes for the campaign.

The Lions have won just one of their last seven away games, losing five, and have won just once at Huddersfield since 2009.

The last six meetings have featured under 2.5 goals, with the most recent being a 1-1 draw at The Den in December.

Prediction

Neil Harris's return as Millwall boss has still to truly get going
Neil Harris’s return as Millwall boss has still to truly get going

Huddersfield and Millwall are well in the relegation battle and both will see this match as a chance to grab a crucial victory.

However, that jeopardy raises the threat that both sides could cancel each other out.

Breitenreiter and Harris are likely to approach this game cautiously due to fear of defeat and with confidence low on both sides, a cagey game beckons.

Under 2.5 goals has been a feature of their recent history and is inevitably a short price of 8/1 with LiveScore Bet, while a repeat 1-1 scoreline is 10/3 and could be something to consider.

When assessing this game, the overriding feeling is that the teams could be tough to split and a familiar outcome seems inevitable.