Sabasports Match Preview
English Championship, Millwall, Watford
Kickoff Time: 2025-09-23 03:00 (HKT)
Source: REUTERS/Matthew Childs
Millwall is a traditional strong team in the Championship, finishing eighth last season with the capability to compete for promotion to the Premier League via the playoffs. This season, however, their league performance has been subpar due to the distraction of the EFL Cup, managing only two wins, one draw, and two losses. Fortunately, their elimination from the EFL Cup in midweek allows them to focus entirely on the league. The team’s highest-value player is Alfie Doughty, who joined in the summer and has already contributed one assist, seamlessly integrating into the team’s tactics. Statistically, Millwall averages 15 fouls per game, ranking first in the league; nine interceptions per game, ranking fourth; and 11.6 tackles per game, ranking sixth. This reflects their tactical emphasis on ball possession and high-press defending, even if it means committing fouls to disrupt the opponent’s rhythm. For example, in the last league match, despite playing away, Millwall dominated with 64% possession.
Watford was relegated from the Premier League in the 2021-22 season. Over the next three seasons, the team failed to leverage the advantage of the Premier League’s parachute payments and did not return to the top flight. Last season, Watford finished 14th, underperforming overall. This season, their form has not improved, with one win, two draws, and two losses, averaging just one point per game. If they cannot improve this inefficient scoring rate, Watford may face a relegation battle this season. The team’s highest-value player is defender Caleb Wiley, on loan from Chelsea, but he is currently injured and has not made any appearances this season. Statistically, Watford averages 7.6 successful dribbles per game, ranking fourth in the league, and 20.2 successful aerial duels per game, ranking sixth. This indicates their reliance on wing attacks and crossing tactics. However, this strategy demands highly skilled forwards, and Watford’s strikers have been inefficient at converting chances. For instance, in the last league match, despite playing at home and attempting 14 shots, Watford managed only one on target.
Tactically, this match is likely to feature Millwall dominating attack while Watford focuses on defense, potentially becoming a one-sided contest. Last season, Watford lost 14 away league games, ranking fourth in the Championship for away defeats, making them a weak traveling team. In this encounter, Millwall is expected to seize the opportunity to secure all three points.
Millwall‘s Last 5 Games: DDLWW
25-09-17 Crystal Palace 1-1 Millwall (PEN 4-2)
25-09-13 Charlton Athletic 1-1 Millwall
25-08-30 Millwall 0-2 Wrexham
25-08-27 Millwall 2-1 Coventry City
25-08-23 Sheffield United 0-1 Millwall
Watford‘s Last 5 Games: LDDWL
25-09-13 Watford 0-1 Blackburn Rovers
25-08-30 Watford 2-2 Southampton
25-08-23 Swansea City 1-1 Watford
25-08-16 Watford 2-1 QPR
25-08-13 Watford 1-2 Norwich City
Head-To-Head Record
25-03-08 Watford 1-2 Millwall
24-08-10 Millwall 2-3 Watford
24-03-02 Millwall 1-0 Watford
23-10-28 Watford 2-2 Millwall
22-12-26 Watford 0-2 Millwall
Prediction: Millwall to win