Norwich vs Millwall: Football Previews & Free Football Betting Tips

Championship • Matchday 1 • Saturday 9 August 2025 • Carrow Road

Norwich kick off a new season with fresh ambitions under new manager Liam Manning, aiming to push back into the play-off mix. Millwall, under Alex Neil, remain a grind-it-out side with renewed freshness after finishing 8th last season. It’s not a classic rivalry, but early-season energy at Carrow Road and an organised away following in the stands will shape a feisty opener.

Tactically, Norwich look to dominate possession with a flexible 4-2-3-1 that shifts into 4-4-2 when chasing. Millwall’s 4-4-2 is structured around mid-block compactness, wing interruptions, and direct routes to target men like Mihailo Ivanović.

Norwich: Squad refreshed with departures such as Jorge Rowe and injuries are minimal; no suspensions reported. Expect a 4-2-3-1 with Angus Gunn in goal, a back four led by Shane Duffy, midfield anchored by Kenny McLean, and Josh Sargent up front supported by Borja Sainz.

Millwall: Manager Alex Neil confirmed absences for Joe Bryan, Kevin Nisbet, and Dan Kelly. Likely XI features Lukas Jensen (if fit) or backup keeper, backline with Japhet Tanganga and Joe Bryan out, central midfield led by Billy Mitchell, and attack with Mihailo Ivanović spearheading alongside Josh Coburn.

Over the 2024–25 Championship season, Norwich posted a record of 14W-15D-17L, scoring 71 goals (1.54 per game) and conceding 68 (1.48 per game). Millwall notched 18W-12D-16L, netting 47 goals (1.02 per game) and conceding 49 (1.07 per game). Norwich’s approach was expansive and high-scoring, whereas Millwall’s is tighter and more defensive.

Team	Goals For (per game)	Goals Against (per game)	BTTS % (est.)
Norwich City	1.54	1.48	~55%
Millwall	1.02	1.07	~50%

BTTS % estimated based on goals patterns and defensive trends.

Norwich at home: Strong with 10W-8D-5L, and solid attack averaging 1.7 GF/game. Millwall away: Mixed; home away split was weaker—6G average and 1.07 GA—indicating vulnerability when forced wide.

Norwich: Josh Sargent leads the line with his movement and physical presence. Kenny McLean brings control and experience in midfield—if he dictates the pace, Norwich will flow. Millwall: Mihailo Ivanović remains a handful with hold-up and aerial strength, while Japhet Tanganga’s energy down the right will test Norwich full-back channels. Expect Ivanović vs Shane Duffy to define aerial battles.

Carrow Road is a tough place to start for Millwall. Norwich’s high-tempo home style and fresh energy under Manning give them the edge, while Millwall’s away form wobbles despite their defensive ethic. Prediction: Norwich City 2–1 Millwall.

Main Bet: Norwich to win—superior home record and attacking output. Alternative: Both Teams To Score (both clubs hit around 50-55% BTTS in 24–25). Value pick: Josh Sargent Anytime Goalscorer—he’s the focal point.