‘One big problem’: Verdict on Millwall’s promotion handed down as Alex Neil’s Lions hit News: The72 – Football League News

Millwall look as strong as ever in the Championship this season. Manager Alex Neil has really galvanized the squad and the Lions are starting to put pressure on the top two.

After a big comeback win against Sheffield Wednesday last time out, Millwall now sit in 3rd place table and just five points behind second-placed Middlesbrough, and just six behind leaders Coventry City.

With just one defeat in the last ten, Millwall look good to secure a play-off spot, if not a place in the top two.

Here, The72 writers give their verdict on whether Millwall can secure Championship promotion this season…

Luke Phelps

“I really didn’t expect Millwall to be where they are now with just fourteen games to go. But I was optimistic about Neil coming to The Den and he hasn’t disappointed, and the question now is whether they can maintain this form.”

“They also impressed me with their transfer activity in January. Barry Bannan could prove to be a very smart signing and Tommy Watson, the man who fired Sunderland to play-off victory last season, is also a very exciting loan signing.

“I think there is one big problem here though, and that is the lack of a real goal threat. Femi Azeez and Mihailo Ivanovic are the club’s top scorers with seven championship goals each. Compare that to Coventry, who have scored 66 goals all season and have three players with ten or more league goals.”

“For that reason I don’t think Millwall will get top two this season. But top six I think is the minimum for Millwall this season, and from there I think they would have a real chance of winning the play-offs, with Ipswich Town their main rival I think.

“That said, in my opinion Ipswich have promotion experience and a better overall team. My bet is that they will rise behind Coventry City and Middlesbrough.”

Will Millwall earn promotion to the Premier League? No.

James Ray

“Granted, Millwall may not be the flashiest attacking team with free-scoring players. They also may not have the divisional standouts that the likes of Ipswich Town, Middlesbrough or Coventry City have.

“They’re such a good team though. They’re a really well-balanced side and now that the injuries have subsided a bit they’ve got quite a bit of strength in depth. The Lions have stuttered when the injuries have really piled up but otherwise they’ve maintained a high standard all year.”

“That’s a testament to Alex Neil, who continues to be overlooked. That could well benefit Millwall; the noise is around other clubs, players and managers as they go about their business all the time.”

“Will Millwall break into the top two? I don’t think so. They’re not far off a run of really tough games, but with some decent games to round out the season, I think they’ll go into the play-offs with the wind in their sails. That could be crucial, and it could be just enough to get them into the Premier League.”

“While others are making headlines with big names and big scores, Millwall may be flying under the radar all the way to the top.”

Will Millwall earn promotion to the Premier League? Yes.