MX23RW : Wednesday, February 3 20:12:17| >> :600:154878:154878:

Preview: Millwall vs. Bristol City - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Saturday's FA Cup clash between Millwall and Bristol City, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Championship sides Millwall and Bristol City square off on Saturday afternoon looking to earn a place in the FA Cup fifth round.

The visitors hold a seven-point and seven-place advantage over their hosts on the league front, despite their contrasting results during the latest batch of fixtures in midweek.


Match preview

Millwall manager Gary Rowett pictured in December 2020© Reuters

After a run of 11 points from 15 matches in the Championship, Gary Rowett will be relieved that the Millwall hierarchy have kept faith in his ability to turn things around at The Den.

However, improving that return with a 1-0 victory away at Huddersfield Town in midweek could be the turning point for the Lions, whose immediate focus will be on moving into the mid-table positions.

Now sitting nine points above the relegation zone, participating in the FA Cup is a welcome distraction for Rowett and his squad, but there will be a desire to make further progress in this competition.

In the form of non-league Boreham Wood, Millwall were given a favourable draw in the third round, eventually prevailing by a 2-0 scoreline courtesy of goals from Kenneth Zohore and Sam Hutchinson.

Rowett will want to see more of a ruthless streak from a team which has struggled in the final third all season, but that result has seemingly acted as the catalyst for better performances in the second tier.

Millwall can also head into this contest with a victory over Bristol City still fresh in the memory after winning 2-0 at Ashton Gate on December 15.

That result came in the middle of a three-game losing streak for the Robins, although Dean Holden's team deserve credit for their response since the start of the Christmas and New Year period.

Three wins from five matches have been recorded in all competitions, including a hard-fought triumph over League One Portsmouth in this competition.

While succumbing to Championship leaders Norwich City in midweek came as a blow, Bristol City remain just six points adrift of the playoffs with a game in hand.

Famara Diedhiou has netted three times in five appearances, but the forward requires assistance from his teammates, who continue to be inconsistent in the final third.

Millwall FA Cup form: W
Millwall form (all competitions): DLWDLW

Bristol City FA Cup form: W
Bristol City form (all competitions): LWLWWL


Team News

Bristol City manager Dean Holden pictured on January 10, 2021© Reuters

Holden could make changes to his attack with Nakhi Wells and youngster Sam Bell both options for the Robins in the final third.

Antoine Semenyo may be required to deputise on the right flank as a result of Hakeeb Adelakun being cup-tied for this game.

Adrian Mariappa, Taylor Moore and Tyreeq Bakinson are also in contention for a role in the starting lineup.

With Watford to come on Tuesday evening, Millwall boss Rowett may be prepared to make sweeping alterations to his side.

Tom Bradshaw and Zohore could be selected in attack, while Frank Fielding, Alex Pearce and Mason Bennett should also be among the players considered for a recall.

Millwall possible starting lineup:
Fielding; Leonard, Pearce, Cooper; Romeo, Woods, Williams, Malone; Bennett, Zohore, Bradshaw

Bristol City possible starting lineup:
Bentley; Mariappa, Moore, Mawson, Rowe; Semenyo, Bakinson, Nagy, Palmer; Bell, Wells


SM words green background

We say: Millwall 2-1 Bristol City

While both clubs will be focused on league matters, the prize money and television revenue on offer means that another win in this competition would be beneficial. We expect a hard-fought affair which will be decided in extra time, leading us to give the edge to the home side.


Top betting tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting a double chance bet on a home win or draw in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Home/Draw:data


ID:431434:cQx

Who will progress into the FA Cup fifth round

Millwall
62.1%
Bristol City
37.9%
29
Share this article now:
Did you know...?
Millwall manager Gary Rowett pictured in September 2020
Read Next:
Millwall boss Gary Rowett credits "simplest game plan" for Bristol City win
>
Latest Sports Video
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.

rhs 2.0
Todays Game Header Right
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Norwich CityNorwich27167435211455
2Swansea CitySwansea26148433151850
3Brentford26139445252048
4Reading26145740291147
5Watford27138631201147
6Bournemouth27119740261442
7Bristol City27133112828042
8Middlesbrough2711793024640
9Blackburn RoversBlackburn26116941281339
10Stoke CityStoke2791173229338
11Preston North EndPreston27113133134-336
12Barnsley27106112934-536
13Luton TownLuton2696112128-733
14Millwall2761472225-332
15Huddersfield TownHuddersfield2795133038-832
16Cardiff CityCardiff2687113331231
17Queens Park RangersQPR2679102532-730
18Coventry CityCoventry2779112637-1130
19Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest2778122230-829
20Derby CountyDerby2778121725-829
21Birmingham CityBirmingham27610111931-1228
22Sheffield WednesdaySheff Weds2687111826-825
23Rotherham UnitedRotherham2566132735-824
24Wycombe WanderersWycombe2537151842-2416

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!