Reading vs Millwall Predictions

• All three of Paul Ince’s prior managerial meetings with Millwall saw both teams score.
• Six of Gary Rowett’s last eight meetings with Reading saw both teams score.
• Both teams scored in 20 of Reading’s league games, a joint-second league high.
• Only four sides saw both teams score in more away league games than Millwall’s ten.

The survival scrap continues for Reading

The introduction of Paul Ince as Reading manager certainly raised a few eyebrows in the football world given his eight-year absence from any touchline. However, they did win his first game in charge before flopping to a 4-1 defeat in their latest trip to Blackpool.

Reading maintain a six-point gap over the drop zone ahead of this round though that could soon get swallowed up if they cannot keep their positive form going. Just one of the last six sides to face Reading kept them from scoring though, so the improvement is needed more in defensive areas.

Welcoming a roaring Millwall side is not ideal then, as the Lions have shown their teeth in winning the last four league games, igniting some forlorn hopes amongst the optimists that they could yet spring a surprise push for the top-six places.

Expect an end to end affair

One can expect Millwall to start stuttering about now, as they have not put together a run of five straight league wins in one campaign since 2012! However, it is hard to see them failing to score against this Reading side that have shipped seven goals across the last three games.

Considering what is at stake for both sides and the recent trends, I predict that both teams will score in this game. However, I think this could be the end of Millwall’s purple patch, perhaps with an entertaining 2-2 draw.