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Match Preview: Millwall FC vs Sunderland AFC

Sunderland AFC look to maintain their eight game unbeaten run as they travel to the capital to face Millwall in the Sky Bet Championship on Saturday.

Last time out:

In their last outing in the Championship, Sunderland drew 2-2 at the Stadium of Light against managerless Coventry City.  In the first half, Regis Le Bris’ men saw themselves 2-0 up after two fantastic finishes from Wilson Isidor and Dennis Cirkin.  

Coventry City responded midway in the second half through Haji Wright and then gained an equaliser late on through winger Jack Rudoni to secure a point for the Sky Blues. This meant Sunderland were joint on points at the top of the league after that matchday with high flying Sheffield United being level on goal difference with the Mackems.  

As for Millwall they are in red hot form at the moment, unbeaten in six league games and only losing two games at home all season. Manager Neil Harris currently has the Lions sat in eight place in the league just two points outside the playoff positions.  

Previous meetings: 

Sunderland’s previous games at The Den have both resulted in two 1-1 draws collectively as the Mackem’s saw two late goals scored both times. However, the last time these two sides played each other was back in April, as Millwall came out victorious with a 1-0 win at the Stadium of Light against caretaker manager Mike Dodds.  

Team news:

Sunderland come into this game faced with several injuries and suspensions to key players. Le Bris confirmed that winger Romaine Mundle and midfielder Alan Browne will be out for up to eight weeks as Browne has fractured a bone in his leg and Mundle a hamstring issue.  

In terms of suspensions, the Black Cats will be without three key players: Jobe Bellingham, Patrick Roberts and Trai Hume who have either picked up a red card or five yellow cards in their respective games.   

Players to watch: 

As for Millwall, a man on red hot form at the moment is former Sunderland player Duncan Watmore. The forward has an impressive total of five goals and one assist in 13 league games so far this season.  

Another one is young Englishman Romain Esse who has looked a bright spark for the Lions at just 19. He is usually among the England youth setup; he has currently got three goals and one assist in 15 league appearances.