Millwall vs Watford predictions: Harris set for lively return to Den

James Milton

Spotlight

Former Cardiff, Gillingham and Cambridge boss Neil Harris got his return to Millwall off to a winning start

- Millwall have conceded 13 goals in their last five home matches
- Both teams have scored in seven of Watford's last nine away league games
- Recommended bet: Over 2.5 Goals

Neil Harris enjoyed the perfect start to his second spell as Millwall manager, leading the Lions to a shock 2-1 win over promotion-chasing Southampton at St Mary's.

The club legend will be hoping to follow up with another three points at home to Watford although Millwall had lost seven of their previous eight games in all competitions before their success against the Saints.

Watford are in poor form themselves, losing four of their last five in the Championship, so there is plenty at stake for both clubs at The Den.

Team news

Millwall are missing the injured Kevin Nisbet and Shaun Hutchinson. Tom Bradshaw and Michael Obafemi are vying for a place up front alongside Zian Flemming.

Watford centre-back Ryan Porteous is available after suspension but striker Vakoun Bayo is set to miss out again due to a hamstring problem.

The stats

Valerien Ismael's Watford have lost four of their last five Championship games and are now 11 points outside the play-off places

Millwall have lost seven of their last nine games in all competitions.

The Lions have conceded 13 goals in their last five home matches.

Only one of Millwall's last 12 league and cup games was goalless at half-time.

Watford have lost four of their last five Championship matches.

The Hornets have been losing at half-time in four of their last five league defeats.

Both teams have scored in seven of Watford's last nine away league games.

The latest Millwall vs Watford odds are available on LiveScore Bet

Prediction

Millwall remain perilously close to the Championship relegation zone despite their stirring victory at Southampton last weekend.

The return of Neil Harris as manager should ensure a pulsating atmosphere at The Den and over 2.5 goals looks the best bet when the Lions face Watford.

Neither team is brimming with confidence although both pose a decent goal threat. Millwall's attacking options include Tom Bradshaw, Michael Obafemi and Zian Flemming, whose penalty secured a valuable victory at St Mary's last time out.

Flemming has scored in his last two appearances against Watford, including this season's 2-2 draw at Vicarage Road, and he should get chances against the struggling visitors.

However, Millwall have conceded 13 goals in their last five home matches, losing 4-0 to Ipswich and 3-2 to Leicester in the FA Cup, so their defence is hard to trust.

Watford's away results since the start of December include a 5-1 win at Preston, a 3-3 draw at Plymouth and a 4-2 defeat at Norwich last month and the goals should continue to flow on their trip to Bermondsey.

Back Over 2.5 Goals, available at 21/20 with LiveScore Bet