Preview: Millwall vs. Barnsley - prediction, team news, lineups

Millwall welcome Barnsley to The Den on Saturday afternoon, as two sides at opposite ends of the table face-off for the first time this season.

Millwall come into this fixture off the back of two strong wins, the most recent coming over Luton Town, while Barnsley have taken two points from the last two courtesy of two 2-2 draws.

Match preview

This week, Millwall manager Gary Rowett played down talk of promotion as his side climbed into the playoff places.

Two wins from two, and three wins in total so far this season have catapulted Millwall into the top six, with Jed Wallace their current top scorer with three goals to his name.

Millwall have also shown the defensive resolve that has perhaps escaped them in previous seasons, with three clean sheets so far this campaign.

History suggests this game could go either way, with Barnsley claiming two wins from their last three trips to The New Den, and Millwall winning the other match 4-1.

Barnsley fans will be encouraged by recent results, with the team having shown lots of character in a hard-fought 2-2 draw against in-form Bristol City. Unfortunately, they could not quite do it on a cold night in Stoke, despite having a man advantage for the last 30 minutes of the game.

Barnsley twice led through Elliot Simoes and then Dominik Frieser, but were unable to hold on despite late chances to snatch all three points.

The Tykes are still without a win so far this season and are hovering dangerously above the relegation zone.

Caretaker head coach Adam Murray has confirmed this week that the club are looking at a couple of centre forward options in the free-agent market, in the hope that a few new faces may inspire a first win of the season.

Millwall Championship form: DWDLWW Millwall form (all competitions): WLDLWW

Barnsley Championship form: LLDLD Barnsley form (all competitions): WLLDLD

Team News

Callum Brittain - who made his debut for the Tykes on Wednesday - is expected to keep his place after impressing on the right-hand side.

New signing Herbie Kane and Matty James may also be in contention as Murray continues in search of a first win of the season.

Gary Rowett will likely continue with Mason Bennett, who replaced Tom Bradshaw in the week.

Otherwise, the Lions should remain unchanged and continue with a side that has seen them rise up the table in recent weeks.

Millwall possible starting lineup: Bialkowski; Romeo, Hutchinson, Cooper, Malone; Leonard, Wood; J. Wallace, Bennett, Mahoney; Bennett

Barnsley possible starting lineup: Walton; Williams, Andersen, Helik, Odour; Palmer, Kane, Mowatt; Thomas; Chaplin, Woodrow

We say: Millwall 2-0 Barnsley

Barnsley interim coach Murray will be hoping for an upset to ease worries of relegation, but we see Millwall being too strong for the Yorkshire side and able to continue their strong form into the coming weeks.

Top betting tip

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