Millwall face a significant challenge to halt their recent slide when they visit promotion-chasing Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium on Tuesday night. The Lions have lost their last two matches and will be without several key players for the trip north.
A 3-1 defeat at Blackburn Rovers last Saturday extended a difficult run for Gary Rowett's side. Lyndon Dykes scored a penalty at Ewood Park, but goals from Oladapo Afolayan and Andri Guðjohnsen sealed the win for the hosts. That result followed a narrow 1-0 home loss to Newcastle United the previous weekend. Millwall's only win in their last five league games was a 4-0 victory over Bolton Wanderers on September 5.
Millwall's task is complicated by a lengthy injury list. The club confirmed that forwards J. Coburn and M. Ivanovic are unavailable, alongside defenders T. Crama and A. Doughty. Midfielders L. Cundle and C. De Norre are also sidelined. This leaves the squad stretched, particularly in attacking areas. Rowett is expected to keep faith with goalkeeper M. Crocombe, while the back four of J. Osei-Tutu, C. Taylor, J. Cooper and Zak Norton Sturge may remain intact from the Blackburn defeat.
Middlesbrough present formidable opposition, sitting fourth in the table after a thrilling 4-3 home win over Norwich City last time out. Michael Carrick's team have won three of their last four league matches. Their last starting lineup featured the likes of Riley McGree, Tom Conway and Will Lankshear in attack.
The team will be looking to Lyndon Dykes for inspiration, with the striker having netted their only goal in the last two games. The match kicks off at 18:45 UTC on Tuesday, September 15.
