Match Previews

Millwall vs Oxford United | Match Preview

Friday 1 May

The Den
Saturday 2 May, 12:30pm

The Yellows will be aiming to finish the season on a high following last weeks emphatic display and result against Sheffield Wednesday. They travel to the Capital to take on a Millwall side needing three points to give themselves a chance of securing automatic promotion to the Premier League.

Ticket Information

All tickets for this match are digital.

Form Guide - Snapshot

Oxford United: W2 D1 L2 from the previous five games. United put on a scintillating display against Sheffield Wednesday last time out in difficult circumstances, and Matt Bloomfield's men will be aiming to do the same this Saturday and be the potential party-spoilers against Alex Neil's team on Saturday afternoon.
Millwall: W2 D2 L1 in their last five. A terrific season for the Lions all comes down to this game. With a place in the play-off's guaranteed a number of weeks ago, they have the chance to secure automatic promotion should they beat the Yellows and results elsewhere go in their favour. However, having lost two of their last three at home they will need to ensure they are at their best to give themselves every possible chance.

The Rivalry - A Quick Head-To-Head Check

This fixture has been contested a remarkable 57 times, with honours shared fairly evenly between the two sides.

In recent years, however, the U’s have enjoyed the upper hand against the Lions, going unbeaten in the last five meetings. Earlier this season, a late strike from Przemysław Płacheta rescued a point in a 2-2 draw at the Kassam Stadium. That match also saw Cam Brannagan level the scores in the first half with a goal that was later voted Oxford United’s Goal of the Season.

The last meeting between the clubs at The Den ended in victory for United, who returned to Oxford with all three points thanks to Ruben Rodrigues’ winner on New Year’s Day 2025.

Overall, the Head-to-Head record looks like this:

Oxford United have 19 wins
Millwall have 23 wins
There have been 15 draws

The Key Battles: Where This Game Could Be Won And Lost

Lankshear Aiming To Go Out On A High: On-loan Tottenham Hotspur striker Will Lankshear has enjoyed an excellent season in Yellow and Blue. His brace against Sheffield Wednesday last weekend, both finishes of the highest quality, saw him reach his target of double figures for the campaign. In recognition of his outstanding season, Lankshear collected both the Golden Boot and Young Player of the Season awards at the Club’s End of Season Awards. His loan spell will come to an end following the match against Millwall, and he will be determined to sign off on a high this weekend. He has given everything for the badge throughout his time with the Club.
Millwall Pushing For Automatics: With victory essential for the hosts, they are expected to attack at every opportunity as they chase the win that could secure second place and automatic promotion to the top flight. To claim that spot, they must take all three points here and hope Ipswich Town fail to beat QPR on the final day.
Femi Azeez vs Brodie Spencer: Millwall’s joint-leading scorer this season is 24-year-old Femi Azeez, who has registered nine goals and seven assists in the Sky Bet Championship. Usually deployed on the right flank but comfortable across the front line, Azeez combines pace, close control and the knack of producing moments of quality from nothing. He is likely to come up against United full-back Brodie Spencer, whose own pace and physicality make him a formidable opponent. It promises to be a fascinating duel.

Team News From Both Camps

Captain Cam Brannagan was forced to leave the pitch early in the victory over Sheffield Wednesday with a tight hamstring and is unlikely to be risked for this game. Otherwise, there are no fresh injury concerns for Matt Bloomfield.

Unavailable: Tyler Goodrham, Greg Leigh, Brian De Keersmaecker, Przemysław Płacheta

Alex Neil is hopeful that a few of his players will be able to return from injury for this must-win game for his team. Both Caleb Taylor and Josh Coburn have suffered injuries in recent weeks, with Taylor picking up a foot issue against Stoke City and Coburn being replaced early on against Leicester City after landing awkwardly following a challenge.

Unavailable: Joe Bryan, Alfie Doughty, Lukas Jensen, Daniel Kelly, Massimo Luongo, Billy Mitchell

Millwall On The Cusp Of Premier League Glory

1) This weekend's game is arguably one of the biggest in Millwall's history, knowing a victory could be enough to see them gain promotion to the Premier League for the first time. Since gaining promotion from League One back in 2017, this season represents the first time the club have finished in the Championship's top six. With some huge rivals, such as West Ham United, currently playing in the Premier League, they will be desperately hoping that a win against United would seal their spot in the top flight next season.

2) Millwall have largely operated in a 4-2-3-1 system this season, built on defensive organisation, physicality and quick transitions. They are a disciplined side out of possession and difficult to break down, reflected in a record of conceding the fourth-fewest goals in the league this season. They also look to win the ball back in midfield before breaking forward with pace through the wide areas. Set-pieces and deliveries into the box have been a key weapon too, with 39% of their 62 goals coming from dead-ball situations, making the most of their strength and aerial presence to create chances.

3) Only champions Coventry City have won more matches than Millwall this season, and while their away record has actually surpassed their results at The Den, the Lions still rank among the division’s top six home sides, having collected 39 points from 22 matches.

Will Vaulks' Flippin' Good End To The Season

Oxford United midfielder Will Vaulks unveiled his trademark celebration after scoring his first goal of the season against former club Sheffield Wednesday last weekend, capping what has been a positive campaign both on and off the pitch for the former Wales international.

Widely respected across the football community for his outstanding charitable work and his leading role in the Club’s Can We Talk? campaign to help tackle suicide, Vaulks has also made a valuable contribution on the field this season with his dangerous long throws and relentless determination in midfield.

His display against the Owls was arguably his finest of the campaign, playing with freedom and confidence before rifling home a stunning strike with his weaker foot. Attention will now turn to pre-season, as Vaulks looks to put himself in the best possible position to be a driving force in United’s push for an immediate return to the Championship.

By the Numbers — Fast Facts

Kick-off: Saturday 2 May, 12:30pm at The Den.
Recent form (last five): Oxford United W2 D1 L2; Millwall: W2 D2 L1.
Goals: Oxford United have scored 45 goals this season, Millwall have scored 62.
Fun Fact: In the ten meetings since 2000, the away team has not failed to score at least one goal.
Historic classics: Oxford United 2-2 Millwall (1 November 2025); Millwall 0-1 Oxford United (1 January 2025); Millwall 0-3 Oxford United (22 April 2017); Millwall 3-3 Oxford United (6 January 1996)
Played for both teams (Years at Oxford United): Trevor Aylott (1991-1992); Tom Bradshaw (2025-present); John Byrne (1993-1995); Aidomo Emakhu (2026-present); Chris Hackett (2000-2006); James Henry (2017-2024); Paul Hinshelwood (1983-1984)
Top Goal scorers this season: Will Lankshear (11 goals); Femi Azeez, Mihailo Ivanovic, Joshua Coburn (9 goals).

Voices From The Camp:

Watch the Press Conferences of Matt Bloomfield and Aidomo Emakhu:

RETAIL

Our End of Season Sale is here and you can enjoy up to 60% off all Macron products, from replica kits to training and travel wear. It’s the perfect chance to complete your 2025/26 collection before the campaign wraps up. Once it’s gone, it’s gone!

Click here to browse the End of Season Sale!

We recently launched a brand-new collection as part of the celebrations of the 40th anniversary of our Milk Cup victory in 1986! Inspired by the iconic style of the era, the range brings a touch of nostalgia to life, reintroducing classic design elements from 1986 across a selection of t-shirts, sweatshirts, and more!

Click HERE to browse the collection!

MATCHDAY GUIDES

Matchday Guide

Get ready for matchday at The Den! Click the arrow below to explore travel info, stadium facilities, and top tips provided by Millwall for making the most of your day.

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