- Stoke have won two, drawn one and lost two of their last five in the Championship.
- Millwall have won one, drawn two and lost two of their last five in the Championship.
- The Lions have won three of the last five head-to-head meetings between the sides and unbeaten in their last two trips to Stoke.
Potters must contend with Lions
Two of the Championship’s most direct and pragmatic managers face off at Stoke’s bet365 Stadium on Tuesday when Mark Robins’ Potters play host to Alex Neil’s Millwall.
Both men have instilled their unique brand of football on their respective teams, with Stoke’s more structured approach based on the principles of transition football. A compact, defensive structure and the ability to exploit the wide areas is Robins’ preferred way of keeping the opposition at bay, before releasing the pressure to exploit their space.
Meanwhile, Neil has made the Lions one of the most physical, pressing teams in the division, capable of dominating aerial duels and second balls and possessing the work-rate to trouble teams when they are out of possession.
Lions to maintain superb away form
This is a classic clash of styles and, while Stoke’s game plan is a solid basis for Championship football, Millwall’s flexibility and work-rate is what makes them a dangerous team in the second tier.
The visitors have an excellent away record this term, winning 10, drawing seven and losing just four of their 21 Championship away matches. Neil’s men score an average of 1.29 goals per away game and concede just 1.05, which is in keeping with their solid approach to every fixture.
Stoke, by contrast, have won nine, drawn six and lost six of their 21 home Championship matches, conceding 22 goals. They are unbeaten in three at home, however, following a 2-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday in their most recent outing.
Thomas and Coburn can strike
Millwall have more of the physical presence and are arguably the stronger team in any case, so their away form and excellent head-to-head record against Stoke make them the favourites to get another victory.
The bet365 Stadium hasn’t been a happy place for the Potters when Millwall visit, as they have failed to win their last two home games against the Lions, who won 2-0 when these sides last met five months ago in the Championship.
Josh Coburn has been a key player for Neil’s side lately, netting three times in his last five games and contributing to half of the total goals scored in that run. Mihailo Ivanovic is the top scorer for the visitors this term with nine in 40 Championship appearances.
Sorba Thomas has played 41 Championship matches this season and is the most consistent attacking threat for the home side with ten goals.
