Team News and Predicted Lineups
Neil Harris heads into the home game with a list of absentees that reads like a who’s‑who of Millwall’s recent contributors. Goalkeeper Lukas Jensen, centre‑back Danny McNamara and midfield workhorses Alfie Doughty and Casper De Norre are all out. Strikers Billy Mitchell and Femi Azeez also sit on the sidelines, while Will Smallbone, Zak Lovelace, Daniel Kelly and Macaulay Langstaff remain doubtful after sustaining knocks in the previous fixtures.
On the bright side, Massimo Luongo and Luke Cundle have recovered from minor knocks that kept them out of the EFL Cup tie against Crystal Palace. Harris is expected to slot them straight into his starting eleven if the medical staff give the green light.
Millwall’s probable 4‑4‑2 looks like this: Steven Benda in goal; a back four of Ryan Leonard, Tristan Crama, Jake Cooper and Joe Bryan; a midfield quartet featuring Camiel Neghli, Luongo, Derek Mazou‑Sacko and Aidomo Emakhu; and up front Thierno Ballo partnered with Josh Coburn.
Watford, under Tom Cleverley, face their own injury marathon. Giorgi Chakvetadze, Jack Grieves and Caleb Wiley are confirmed misses, while Jeremy Ngakia is a late doubt because of a nagging groin problem. The Hornets also lose Othmane Maamma, who has been called up to Morocco’s U‑20 World Cup squad in Chile.
Positive notes include Pierre Dwomoh and Nampalys Mendy, both edging close to full fitness, although their match‑day status remains uncertain.
The anticipated 3‑5‑2 formation lines up Egil Selvik between the sticks, a three‑man defence of Kevin Keben, Matthew Pollock and Max Alleyne, wing‑backs Formose Mendy and Marc Bola, a central trio of Imran Louza, Hector Kyprianou and Mendy, and a striking partnership of Vivaldo Semedo with Nestory Irankunda.
Tactical Outlook
Both managers have chosen systems that reflect the strengths and limitations of their squads. Millwall’s classic 4‑4‑2 gives Harris a balanced platform: Luongo offers experience and composure in midfield, while the wide men Neghli and Emakhu inject pace and directness. The defensive partnership of Cooper and Crama provides the solidity needed when the team sits deep.
Watford’s shift to a 3‑5‑2 aims to dominate the centre of the pitch. With three centre‑backs, the side can absorb pressure, while the wing‑backs add width without compromising defensive shape. If Mendy and Dwomoh prove fit, they will add extra dynamism in both phases of play, potentially tipping the midfield battle in Watford’s favour.
In terms of Championship stakes, Millwall will be looking to extend their home run and keep their confidence high, whereas Watford must curb a poor away record if they hope to stay in the promotion hunt. The match is likely to start cautiously, given the injury-hit lineups, but moments of individual brilliance—especially from Luongo or Semedo—could swing the pendulum.
Fans can expect a tightly contested 90 minutes, with the outcome hinging on which side manages to field its key players and adapt more effectively to the tactical demands of the day.
