Millwall vs Birmingham City: prediction, head-to-head and probable lineups – 25 February 2026
One of the key matches of Championship Round 34 will be played on Wednesday in London at The Den, where Millwall hosts Birmingham City. The home side are battling for direct promotion to the Premier League, while the visitors are desperately clinging to the playoff zone. Let's take a look at the betting prospects for goals in this clash.
Match preview
Alex Neil's side unexpectedly slipped up at home last weekend, losing 1-3 to Portsmouth and snapping a five-match unbeaten streak at The Den. Before that, the Lions were cruising, and in 2025 they had already kept 12 clean sheets – the best record in the league. However, debutant Anthony Patterson conceded three times, and the defense, long considered the club's calling card, faltered.
Despite the setback, Millwall remain third in the table, just six points off second place. Their attack has noticeably improved: 10 goals in their last five Championship matches, including a dazzling 4-0 over Charlton on January 24. The team looks more flexible in positional play but is still vulnerable to rapid counterattacks.
Birmingham delivered arguably the most high-profile result of the weekend, beating Norwich away 2-0. Both goals came in the first 15 minutes – Carlos Vicente and Marvin Ducksch found the net, with Ducksch notching his ninth of the season. This marked the Blues' third consecutive away win – their first such streak since 2015.
Chris Davies' squad are unbeaten in the league for eight matches (five wins, three draws) and sit just two points adrift of the playoff zone. Following winter reinforcements, competition has intensified to the point where record signing Jay Stansfield remains on the bench. However, the energy-sapping outing against Norwich, where James Beadle made eight saves, could take its toll amid a congested fixture list.
Probable lineups
- Millwall: Patterson, Krama, Taylor, Cooper, Doughty, De Norre, Mitchell, Aziz, Negli, Ballo, Coburn.
- Birmingham City: Beadle, Osayi-Samuel, Klarer, Panzo, Wagner, Solis, Iwata, Vicente, Ducksch, Gray, Priske.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Millwall have scored 10 goals in their last five Championship matches.
- Birmingham have won three away league games in a row for the first time in 11 years.
- Birmingham's last win at Millwall was back in April 2023.
Prediction
Both sides are in strong form, but come into this fixture after emotionally charged weekends. Millwall will be eager to bounce back from the Portsmouth defeat, while Birmingham will play pragmatically, relying on pacey wings and Ducksch's current form. A cautious first half followed by goals from both teams after the break looks the most likely scenario.
