Sunderland vs Millwall has been a competitive fixture in English football, with Millwall holding a slight edge in their head-to-head record. Sin ce 2004, these Championship sides have faced off 11 times, with Millwall winning 4 matches to Sunderland’s 2, and 5 games ending in draws. This rivalry continues to produce tight contests with relatively few goals..
Recent head-to-head performance
Millwall has dominated recent meetings between these sides. In their last five encounters, M illwall won four matches and lost just once, scoring an average of 1.6 goals per match. Sunderland, meanwhile, has struggled against the Lions, winning only once in that same stretch while averaging a mere 0.4 goals per game.
The 2023/24 season saw Millwall secure one victory against Sunderland, with two other matches ending in draws. Their most recent clash on December 2, 2023, finished 1-1, highlighting the competitive nature of this fixture.
| Stat (Last 5 Matches) | Sunderland | Millwall |
|———————-|————|———-|
| Wins | 1 | 4 |
| Draws | 1 | 0 |
| Losses | 3 | 1 |
| Goals per match | 0.4 | 1.6 |
| Goals conceded | 0.8 | 1.2 |
Historical context
The rivalry between these clubs extends back decades. Notable historical encounters include a May 1, 1971 match where Millwall defeated Sunderland 1-0 in League Division Two. Lateer that year, on September 4, the teams played to a 1-1 draw in the same division.
Overall, the complete head-to-head record since 2004 shows 11 goals scored by Sunderland and 12 by Millwall across their 11 meetings. This narrow margin illustrates the typically close nature of contests between these sides.
Current form and momentum
As of May 2025, the teams show contrasting trajectories. Sunderland maintains a slightly better overall win rate at 41% compared to Millwall’s 36%. However, Millwall’s recent form has been superior, with a 38% win rate over the past six months versus Sunderland’s 33%.
Millwall entered their most recent scheduled fixture on a winning streak, while Sunderland was experiencing a downturn with consecutive losses. This momentum difference has been a factor in their recent head-to-head results.
Tactical matchup
The tactical battle between these sides typically centers on Millwall’s direct, physical approach against Sunderland’s attempts to control possession. Millwall has found success against Sunderland by exploiting set pieces and counter-attacking opportunities.
Sunderland’s struggles to break down Millwall’s organized defense explain their low scoring rate of just 0.4 goals per match in recent encounters. The Black Cats must find ways to create more clear-cut chances if they hope to improve their record against the Lions.