Southampton vs Millwall: Prediction, H2H and probable lineups — January 1, 2026
On Thursday, January 1st, as part of the 25th round of the Championship, Southampton will host Millwall at home. Read on for more about both teams and a match forecast in our preview.
See also: Blackburn vs Wrexham prediction and betting tips 01 January 2026
Match preview
Southampton enters the January stretch of the season in less than ideal form: Tonda Eckert's side are winless in four straight games, drawing twice and losing twice—to Norwich and Oxford, both by a 2-1 margin. The Saints currently sit 13th with 32 points, trailing the playoff zone by six.
At home, the Saints prefer to take the initiative, patiently building up play and gradually breaking down opposing defenses. The team actively uses the flanks and overlapping full-backs, which helps create chances but sometimes leaves them exposed to quick counterattacks. Losing focus after scoring has remained one of Southampton's recurring issues this season.
Millwall, as usual, approaches the league with a more pragmatic style. The team rarely engages in open football, instead focusing on tight defense, a high percentage of duels, and set pieces. In the 2025/26 season, Millwall has often struggled to create chances in positional attacks, but remains dangerous on quick breaks and aerial balls into the box. After 24 rounds, the team has collected 39 points and sits fifth in the table, though December saw a dip: two wins, two draws, and two defeats.
On the road, Millwall plays especially cautiously, looking to simplify their game and slow the tempo as much as possible. The team defends compactly, denying opponents space between the lines and capitalizing on mistakes during the opposition's build-up near their own goal. However, under sustained pressure, the visitors' defense can falter, especially in the second half.
Probable lineups
Southampton: Bazunu; Harwood-Bellis, Wood, Stephens; Fellows, Jander, Downes, Manning; Azaz, Scienza; Armstrong
Millwall: Crocombe; Crama, Taylor, Cooper, Doughty; Sturge, Mitchell; Emakhu, Bangura-Williams, Langstaff; Ivanovic
Match facts and head-to-head
- In the last five meetings, Southampton have won three times and Millwall twice
- Southampton have won just one of their last five matches, conceding in seven straight games
- Millwall have also managed just one win in their last five outings
Prediction
The attacking potential both teams have shown in this matchup suggests there will be plenty of goals. My prediction: both teams to score – YES at 1.7
