Following an enforced break from Championship action to end 2020, Millwall host promoted Coventry City at the New Den on Saturday, with the sides separated by just two points and one place in the table.
The Lions sit 16th in the standings after their previous two fixtures were postponed due to a COVID-19 outbreak, with Coventry still behind them after four games without a goal.
Match preview
© Reuters
Millwall's scheduled fixtures away to Bournemouth on Boxing Day and at home to Watford on 29th December were delayed until a later date after the club's Calmont Road training ground was closed in order to curtail the spread of COVID-19 in their camp.
Therefore, Gary Rowett's side last took to the field a fortnight ago, in a 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest which had followed a desperately needed win over Bristol City.
That unexpected triumph at Ashton Gate broke a winless run of 10 matches for the toothless Lions, who have only netted 17 goals in 20 Championship games so far.
As befits a Rowett-managed side, their defence has been remarkably resilient though - with just 18 goals conceded sitting among the best records in the division.
All of this has resulted in his charges registering draws in half of their fixtures to date, as caginess has trumped adventure at the New Den this term.
© Reuters
Meanwhile, Saturday's visitors to one of London's least-loved venues have experienced significant issues at the back - with 30 goals conceded, only bottom club Wycombe Wanderers have let in more than Coventry this season.
The League One champions have recently recovered from a tough start to life back in the second tier though and have looked a little more comfortable at Championship level.
Between the end of November and mid-December, the Sky Blues put together an unbeaten run of eight matches, pulling themselves away from the relegation zone in the process.
Since then, however, manager Mark Robins has seen his side struggle for goals and Tuesday's 2-0 defeat at Preston North End was the fourth game in a row in which City have failed to find the net.
In mitigation, they have suffered injuries to integral attacking players, with Tyler Walker sidelined and Matty Godden only recently returning to action.
Their manager - formerly a striker with Manchester United - has unsurprisingly urged his remaining players to shoot at goal more readily, as their shot-shy nature has seen Coventry slip down the standings.
Having won their first league match of the calendar year six times out of the last seven, the Sky Blues would be delighted to further embellish that sparkling New Year record against battle-hardened opposition this weekend.
Millwall Championship form: LLDLWD
Coventry City Championship form: DWDLDL
Team News
© Reuters
Gary Rowett's Millwall could be boosted by the return of striker Kenneth Zohore ahead of their return to Championship action. The former Cardiff City forward has made just three appearances for the Lions since arriving on loan from West Bromwich Albion in October, having been sidelined with a calf injury, but could be available to face Coventry.
However, winger Connor Mahoney will not be fit to return until the upcoming FA Cup tie with Boreham Wood and young midfielder Billy Mitchell is still out with a hamstring problem.
Coventry boss Mark Robins has both Tyler Walker and Jodi Jones unavailable due to long-term injuries. Both Liam Kelly and Marko Marosi are doubts for the weekend, though should be ready to return soon.
A second-half substitute last time out, Maxime Biamou could join Matty Godden up front, though former Aston Villa man Callum O'Hare will most likely start either as Godden's partner or just behind the front man.
Millwall possible starting lineup:
Bialkowski; Romeo, Hutchinson, Cooper, M.Wallace; Thompson, Williams; J.Wallace, Bradshaw, Bennett; Bodvarsson
Coventry City possible starting lineup:
Wilson; Ostigard, McFadzean, Hyam; Sheaf, Dabo, Hamer, Allen, McCallum; O'Hare, Godden
We say: Millwall 1-1 Coventry City
Few would predict a frenzied goal-bonanza at the New Den on Saturday, as Millwall's defence is teak-tough and the visiting attack has been virtually non-existent in recent games.
Coventry, however, can take home a point to stay in touch with the Lions, as the home side takes time to settle back into Championship life following a two-week layoff.
Top betting tip
Jonathan O'Shea
Data Analysis
Our analysis of all available data, including recent performances and player stats up until an hour before kickoff, suggested the most likely outcome of this match was a Millwall win with a probability of 41.91%. A win for Coventry City had a probability of 29.87% and a draw had a probability of 28.2%.
The most likely scoreline for a Millwall win was 1-0 with a probability of 12.88%. The next most likely scorelines for that outcome were 2-1 (8.3%) and 2-0 (8.14%). The likeliest Coventry City win was 0-1 (10.39%), while for a drawn scoreline it was 1-1 (13.13%). The actual scoreline of 1-2 was predicted with a 6.7% likelihood.
