At the top of the EFL Championship standings there is parity between three clubs: Ipswich Town, Middlesbrough and Millwall. Any of them can eventually finish second, so they really need to win away at West Bromwich Albion. This is the only match on Friday, and it is between these two sides.
West Bromwich Albion
Do the hosts not need anything from this match? They are involved in a tough relegation battle and sit four points above the relegation zone with five rounds to go. It is also worth noting that at The Hawthorns James Morrison’s side are on a positive run of one win and three draws. In this sequence they have stopped three play-off contenders: Hull City (3:0), Southampton (1:1) and Wrexham (1:1). The hosts are unbeaten in six matches, which is positive, although they have only two wins in that run and could do with at least a couple more results to feel safer.
Millwall
They would also be glad to extend their four-match run, but lack experience of fighting for the very top positions. Since mid-March Alex Neil’s side have wobbled, especially at home. At The Den they have lost both of their last two matches 1:2, against Blackburn Rovers and Norwich City. Away from home, however, they have taken four points out of six in matches against direct rivals Ipswich Town (1:1) and Middlesbrough (2:1).
West Bromwich Albion vs Millwall Prediction
Does this mean it is easier for the visitors to prepare for opponents of a similar level? In fact, that is typical for almost everyone. The teams at the top do not sit back, whereas from sides like the current hosts we should expect counter-attacking football, and that is what makes underdogs dangerous. We expect the hosts' unbeaten run to continue and at least two goals to be scored, as happened in five of the last six matches for both sides.
