Millwall v Blackburn: Home support to give Lions the edge

Andy Tongue
09 March 2013

The Den won't be as quiet as this when Blackburn visit for the FA Cup quarter-final

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Millwall's notorious home crowd can play a key role in helping their side to reach the last four of the FA Cup, says Andy Tongue...

"There's no doubt that the Millwall fans have been a crucial 12th man for the Lions on many big occasions in the past."

Back Millwall to win at 2.568/5

Millwall v Blackburn
Sunday 11th March
14.00 GMT
Live on ESPN

The first FA Cup quarter-final not to feature a Premier League side since 2008 sees two Championship outfits hoping the magic of the cup can inspire them to put behind poor recent league form.

Millwall

On current form, seven league defeats in the last eight games, Kenny Jackett's men shouldn't be a betting proposition but that school of thought has to go out of the window when you consider a packed and passionate Den will make it an incredibly uncomfortable afternoon for the visitors. The occasions when the Millwall support have stepped the wrong side of the line are well documented but there's no doubt that they have been a crucial 12th man for the Lions on many big occasions in the past.

Millwall have lost just two of the last 18 FA Cup games at home, 11 wins and five draws, and their vocal support and barely contained aggression can really intimidate visiting players.

Blackburn

Since the famous win over Arsenal at the Emirates in the fifth round, Rovers have lost four and drawn one in the Championship, finding the net in just one of those matches, as their hopes of a late run into the play-offs have gone up in smoke. In Jordan Rhodes they do possess one of the best strikers outside of the Premier League and he rates as the main danger to the home defence. But the first-half implosion at home to Peterborough last week reinforces the suspicion that Michael Appleton has not yet been able to install the strength of character into his side which will be required in the Lions' Den on Sunday.

Match Odds

The home side have drifted since their defeat at home to Wolves on Tuesday but, as previously stated, league form has to go to out of the window and they can now be backed at 2.526/4, which is a very fair price given their season revolves around this game and both fans and players have had it at the forefront of their minds for the past couple of weeks.

Under/Over 2.5 goals

With both sides struggling for goals (Millwall's have dried up since the departure of on-loan star Chris Wood to Leicester) and Blackburn certain to be happy with a draw and a replay at Ewood Park in 10 days time, Under 2.5 Goals looks good value at 1.8910/11.

Correct Score

Taking into account both of the above, a small play on Millwall to edge through 1-0 at 8.615/2 is our third recommended bet.

Recommended Bets

Best Bet:Back Millwall to win at 2.568/5
Back Under 2.5 goals at 1.8910/11
Back Millwall to win 1-0 at 8.615/2

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