3. Millwall (3) vs Swindon (4)

Millwall win may not be enough

TEAM NEWS

Millwall striker Lewis Grabban made his first appearance as a substitute last weekend after being recalled from his loan spell at Brentford.

Lions striker Shaun Batt is struggling with a hamstring injury, which is why Grabban was brought back. Full back Tony Craig (ankle) could be fit for the playoffs if the Lions do not secure second place.

Swindon manager Danny Wilson insists the pressure is off his team after making sure of a place in the playoffs.

Wilson could have striker Vincent Pericard fit but with the playoffs coming up, he could start on the bench and only come on if events elsewhere mean the Robins could go up automatically with a win.

　

Millwall:

Suspended: None

Doubtful: Batt (hamstring), Dunne (groin)

Injured/unavailable: Craig (ankle)

Swindon:

Suspended: None

Doubtful: Thompson (hip), Pericard (heel)

Injured/unavailable: Hammonds (knee), O’Brien (hamstring).

MATCH PREVIEW

This is the outstanding final game of the season, with the prize of automatic promotion still possible for the winners. The other playoff sides will also be delighted that these two clubs have so much to play for, since they will not be able to take it easy or rest players. They cannot afford to miss the opportunity of finishing second but as scores come in from elsewhere, it could have a big impact on the mood of the players.

For instance, if Leeds are winning easily, both these sides will know that they cannot finish second and the managers will be tempted to make substitutions to keep their key players fresh for the playoffs.

Millwall would be in second spot if it had not been for their shock 2-0 defeat at Tranmere last weekend and now all they can do is to take three points and hope Leeds slip up. It is all those shock defeats by the leading clubs that has made the fight for automatic promotion the most exciting ever.

Five clubs are still in with a chance of joining Norwich in the Championship without going through the playoffs but the nerves are definitely starting to show. Swindon have suffered worst of all, with last week’s narrow win over Brentford, their first in five games. That might send them into this encounter with more confidence but the Lions should make it ten home wins out of 11.

HEAD TO HEAD

Swindon’s 2-1 win at Millwall in 2007/08 is their only one at the Den in the last 18 league meetings.

In the last eight meetings in all competitions, neither side has scored more than twice.