Millwall rate the visit of Wolves as a six-pointer

Dean Saunders’ outfit haven’t been helped by facing Championship form teams Barnsley, Cardiff and Watford in successive games.

But, just like Saunders’ men, Millwall are in freefall and go into this evening’s critical clash at the New Den with a relegation warning from manager Kenny Jackett ringing in their ears.

Three wins and nine defeats in 15 games since their 1-0 victory at Molineux on November 27 has set the alarm bells ringing in south London.

Their decline has sharpened since the turn of the year with six defeats in eight in the league – including a 5-1 reverse against Peterborough the last time out in front of their own fans – and just one win in that spell, a 2-1 success at Middlesbrough on February 23.

Their league form has been partly masked by an FA Cup run which has seen them overcome Preston, Villa and Luton, and they may have one eye on Saturday’s quarter-final home tie against Blackburn.

But, despite being 14th and eight points clear of the drop zone, Jackett isn’t fooled, and insists the priority is now Championship survival.

“We need some wins to make sure we stay up,” said Jackett.

“If we can get some good results in the Cup or in the league then it can still be a fantastic season for us, despite the current results. But it’s worrying on my part.

“We don’t want to go into the Cup-tie lacking confidence and cohesion and we need wins to stay in this division.

“We’ve got the potential to win games and get the right results, but the players need confidence and determination.”

Millwall’s problems can in part be traced back to the departure of target man Chris Wood, who finished a loan spell at the New Den to join Leicester from West Brom in a £1.25m deal in January.

The 21-year-old New Zealand international scored 11 goals in 19 games for the Lions before Christmas but Millwall, who were outbid for his services by the promotion-chasing Foxes, haven’t been able to replace his goals and presence up front.

Millwall have registered just one goal in open play in a total of five strikes in eight games since their 2-1 win against Bristol City on New Year’s Day.

Former Wolves man Andy Keogh, who moved to Millwall from Wolves for £500,000 in January 2012, has notched seven this season but none for seven games.

He has netted just once – a penalty in a 1-1 draw at Bolton when another ex-Molineux player Keith Andrews, also scored from the spot – since his late winner against his old club in November.

But Jackett believes it’s all about providing the right chances for the strikers, saying : "We need to get the right service for our forwards."

Keogh is set for a recall tonight with 33-year-old ex-Albion man Rob Hulse, who is on loan from QPR, set to miss out with a hip injury.

Without Hulse and apart from 26-year-old Keogh, there is an inexperienced look about Millwall’s attack.

In Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Leeds, Millwall played two 20-year-olds up front in Ben Afobe and John Marquis.

Wolves have been reasonably solid on their travels under Saunders as they prepare for successive trips, with a Midlands derby at resurgent Nottingham Forest to follow on Saturday.

They recorded 0-0 draws at Sheffield Wednesday and Derby, looking steady at the back but unimaginative going forwards, while also losing 2-1 to Leicester and Barnsley.

In both defeats, however, they had more than enough chances to have claimed maximum points both times.