Match overview and context
Millwall host Charlton Athletic at The Den on 24 January 2026 in what looks set to be a London derby with a clear edge to the home side. Millwall sit fifth in the Championship with 46 points from 28 games and arrive with more consistency in the table, while Charlton occupy 18th with 32 points from 27 matches. The gulf in league position tells part of the story: Millwall have accumulated more wins and slightly better defensive returns at home, and their season-long numbers — 32 goals scored and 35 conceded across 28 fixtures — underline a side capable of grinding out results at The Den. Charlton, by contrast, have managed 27 goals and conceded 34, with their away record showing vulnerability in front of goal, having scored 12 on the road compared with 20 conceded.
Recent form and momentum
The recent sequence paints a lively but cautious picture. Millwall arrive off a narrow 2-1 defeat at Coventry two days earlier, but that follows a 2-0 victory at Watford and a 2-1 home win over Swansea, interspersed with a heavy 5-1 reverse at Burnley. Their formline reads as a side that can win but can also be punished on the break — a pattern reflected in their shots data and the mixed “latest” report of W-L-W-D-W-D-L-L-D across the last ten. Charlton’s last outing ended in a 2-1 home loss to Derby, but their results include a morale-boosting 1-0 win over Sheffield United and a couple of draws against mid-table opponents. Yet their away struggles remain a concern: Charlton have conceded 20 goals away from home and have only eight clean sheets across the campaign.
Tactical pointers and head-to-head
The previous Championship meeting this season ended 1-1 at Charlton in September, a reminder that local derbies rarely produce runaway scorelines. Millwall’s higher shot volume and slightly better conversion of pressure into shots inside the box, plus 10 clean sheets so far, give them the tactical advantage at The Den. Charlton’s defensive fragility on the road and lower shots-average point to a side likely to be stretched against a Millwall unit that presses and creates more chances.
Betting suggestion
Taking all angles from league positions, recent results, head-to-head and team metrics, the most sensible single-market recommendation is a straight 1X2 back of the home win: Millwall to win at the available price (1.80). The home side’s superior home form, higher attacking output and relatively sound defensive record make them the value pick in this matchup. For those interested in staking discipline and how to size your bets around selections like this, the guide on how to set values for sports betting and how to start creating a bankroll is a useful companion, and for readers wanting broader ideas on choosing markets, see our piece on soccer betting tips and the choice of markets. Play Millwall at a controlled stake — the odds reflect a clear but not overwhelming edge, so manage your bankroll accordingly.
