Millwall travel to Portsmouth for a key early-season Championship match with both teams level on points but possessing contrasting recent form. Portsmouth will host Millwall at Fratton Park on Saturday lunchtime, with kick-off at 12:30 BST.
Since winning their opening two matches, Millwall have won just two of their last nine games, drawing three and losing four. That run has left them 12th in the standings with 15 points from 11 games, a position they hold on goals scored ahead of 13th-placed Portsmouth. Their recent form reads one win, three draws and one defeat from the last five outings, a sequence that includes last week's 2-2 home draw with Lincoln City. Portsmouth's form has been similarly mixed, with two wins, two draws, and one loss in their last five matches, leaving them just behind Millwall in the table.
Recent form and statistics
Portsmouth have shown improved home form, winning two of their past three league games at Fratton Park. That matches their total from the previous ten home matches. Millwall, meanwhile, have won only one of their previous six league games, though they could record successive away wins for the first time since March. Defensively, Portsmouth have kept only one clean sheet in their last ten league matches, while Millwall have conceded in each of their last eight away games.
Head-to-head history
Portsmouth won both league meetings 3-1 last season, having not won any of the previous five encounters. Millwall have shown resilience on the road, however, winning two of their past three away league games at Portsmouth. Historically, they had won only once in 18 visits to Fratton Park between 1971 and 2010. The last five meetings between the sides at Fratton Park have produced 18 goals, averaging 3.6 per game.
Team news and key strengths
A key strength for Millwall this season has been set-pieces. Only West Ham United have scored more goals from set pieces in the Championship, with Millwall second on six. They also lead the division for expected goals from such situations. The club will be without several players for the trip, including top scorer Lyndon Dykes, who has four goals this season but is among those currently injuries. Midfielder George Honeyman is also a doubt. Portsmouth are expected to be without midfielder Tom Lowery due to a hamstring injury, but defender Regan Poole is available after serving a suspension. Portsmouth manager John Mousinho has highlighted his team's need to improve their ball retention in the final third to create clearer chances. The next fixture for Millwall is this away match against Portsmouth on 24 October.
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