Preston North End Seek Redemption as Millwall Eye Deepdale Advantage

Preston North End vs Millwall - 10/10/2026

09/21/2026 64

As the Championship campaign enters its ninth round, Preston North End and Millwall prepare for a closely contested fixture at Deepdale on October 10, 2026. Both teams arrive with a point to prove, bringing contrasting form and recent history into the spotlight.

Key Points

• Preston sit 23rd after one win, one draw and six defeats from their opening eight league matches.
• Millwall have taken points from tough recent fixtures, including back-to-back 2-2 draws away at Middlesbrough and at home to West Ham United.
• Johnny Kenny strengthened his case to start with a first-half brace in Preston's 2-2 draw at QPR.
• Millwall are favoured to win, with the supplied prediction giving them a 42% chance of taking all three points.

Recent Form

Preston North End enter this clash sitting in the relegation zone at 23rd with just a single win from eight matches. Their early-season struggles are clear, reflected in a league record of one win, one draw and six losses, with eight goals scored and fifteen conceded. Their negative goal difference of minus seven highlights defensive issues that have yet to be solved.

Examining their recent performances, Preston's results do not inspire confidence. They have been winless in 80% of their last 15 matches in all competitions and have lost 67% of those encounters. The situation at Deepdale is equally challenging. In their last 20 home matches, Preston have gone winless in 80% and suffered defeat in half. The trend continues against Millwall specifically, with the hosts losing 8 of their last 16 meetings and winning none of the previous 5 at home against the London side.

In attack, Preston are underperforming. Averaging just 1 goal per match this season, their last six games saw them score an average of one per game while conceding 1.67. Their most recent home performances include one win and two losses, maintaining a similar scoring average but conceding heavily. The attacking output is hindered by a conversion rate that does not reflect the number of shots they manage per match. Preston average over 13 total shots per game but find the target with only 3.33, so finishing remains an area to improve.

The defensive frailty has been a recurring problem for Preston, losing by 2 or more goals in 39% of their last 23 matches in all competitions. This vulnerability has led to a cascade of late collapses, with matches slipping away after the break or in decisive moments. From their opening eight league matches, Preston's only win arrived against Blackburn Rovers, breaking a sequence of four consecutive defeats, while their 2-2 draw at QPR still ended in frustration after surrendering a two-goal lead.

Millwall, meanwhile, arrive at Deepdale in considerably stronger shape. Occupying 11th spot in the table, they have claimed three wins, two draws and three defeats while maintaining a zero goal difference. Their away record in the last 18 games provides optimism, as they have emerged victorious half the time and remain undefeated in 83% of their previous 12 road fixtures. The attacking unit averages 1.88 goals per game, noticeably better than their hosts.

Recent matches for Millwall showcase some defensive inconsistency, conceding 15 in eight outings, but they still outpace Preston in most attacking categories. On their travels, the London outfit have exhibited resilience and the ability to pick up points. Millwall have suffered just one defeat in their last five away league matches against Preston and are undefeated in four straight away fixtures against all opponents. Back-to-back 2-2 draws against Middlesbrough and West Ham underline both their threat and their vulnerability after taking leads.

Head-to-Head Record

Looking at the head-to-head at Deepdale, Preston find themselves without a win in five, drawing three and losing two. The recent meetings further lean in Millwall's favour, making the visitors favourites heading into this matchup.

Team News and Probable Lineups

Considering starting lineups, Paul Heckingbottom's Preston North End have shown tactical flexibility, deploying both 5-3-2 and 4-4-2 formations. The back-five shape used at QPR looks the likeliest template, with Daniel Iversen in goal. Defensively, Andrija Vukcevic, Harry Clarke, Jordan Storey, Andrew Hughes and Stanley Mills should line up across the back. The midfield is likely to comprise Alfie Devine, Jordan Thompson and Léo Leroy, while Johnny Kenny's two goals at QPR make him hard to leave out alongside Callum Lang.

Preston North End probable lineup: Goalkeeper: Daniel Iversen. Defenders: Andrija Vukcevic, Harry Clarke, Jordan Storey, Andrew Hughes, Stanley Mills. Midfielders: Alfie Devine, Jordan Thompson, Léo Leroy. Attackers: Callum Lang, Johnny Kenny.

For Millwall, Alex Neil has increasingly favoured a 4-2-3-1 shape. Filip Marschall is in line to continue in goal after starting the derby draw with West Ham, supported by Jordi Osei-Tutu, Caleb Taylor, Jake Cooper and Zak Sturge in defence. The double pivot should be Jenson Metcalfe and Derek Mazou-Sacko, with Mark Sykes, Lyndon Dykes and Camiel Neghli backing Taïryk Arconte. Caleb Taylor and Camiel Neghli both scored against West Ham, strengthening their claims to retain key roles.

Millwall probable lineup: Goalkeeper: Filip Marschall. Defenders: Jordi Osei-Tutu, Caleb Taylor, Jake Cooper, Zak Sturge. Midfielders: Jenson Metcalfe, Derek Mazou-Sacko. Attacking midfielders: Mark Sykes, Lyndon Dykes, Camiel Neghli. Attacker: Taïryk Arconte.

Prediction

According to consensus predictions, Millwall are the favoured side with a 42% probability of taking all three points. Their superior away form, combined with Preston's repeated struggles both at home and in recent matchups, tilts expectations toward the visitors.

To sum up, Preston North End face an uphill battle given their recent form, historical results against Millwall and issues both offensively and defensively. Millwall, buoyed by their resilience away from home, are poised to capitalise on Preston's difficulties and strengthen their hold on a top-half position.

Home team
Away team

Probability %

1X2

Pred

Correct score

Avg. goals

Weather conditions

Coef.

Score

Live
coef.

CH

Preston North End Millwall 10/10/2026 16:00

273142

21-2

1 - 2

2.66

48°F

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