Millwall vs Watford Prediction: Both teams have had change in leadership

Millwall will welcome Watford at The Den in Game Week 1 of the English Championship. Both teams have had change in leadership and will be hoping for change in fortunes. Who will come out on top after 90 minutes?Millwall vs Watford

English Championship: Game Week 1

Stadium: The Den

10th August 2024

Having taken over as Millwall boss back in February, Neil Harris won eight out of his first 13 games in charge, and that was the type of form that many people felt earned him consideration as one of the top managers in the Championship last season. He changed Millwall from maybe being a candidate for relegation into 13th in the table. Such fine form brought an expectation that they could now challenge for the playoffs. Off the pitch, Millwall is still coping with tragedy—the loss of goalkeeper Matija Sarkic—and the need to find a new starting goalkeeper, signing Lukas Jensen and Liam Roberts in the process. A striker in Macaulay Langstaff was also signed at the front from Notts County to improve a side which struggled for goals last time around. This has transcended into the pre-season games where Millwall has only managed to score seven goals in six matches.

Jensen; Cooper, Harding, Hutchinson, Bryan; Leonard, Saville, De Noore; Watmore, Bradshaw, Esse

On their part, Watford has made Tom Cleverley permanent head coach after he pleased the club's decision-makers while holding the position in an interim capacity. Their side lost only twice in a tough final nine-game stretch last season, which suggests the club's hierarchy may have changed their approach from their previous quick hiring and firing practices. Ismael Kone's exit to Marseille could turn out to be a blessing in disguise regarding financial flexibility in the coming weeks as new signings Antonio Tikvic, Yasser Larouci, and Moussa Sissoko have already joined Watford. Despite only winning two games during a busy summer schedule, Watford was able to end on a more positive note with a 1-1 draw against Brentford.

Bachmann; Andrews, Sierralta, Porteous, Pollock, Ngakia; Sissoko, Dele-Bashiru, Kayembe; Chakvetadze; Bayo

This should be a tight contest - both sides digging deep towards the end of last season. A low-scoring draw is forecast, which would prove a satisfying result for Watford. Take a double chance on Watford.