Millwall told what favours them over Southampton, Middlesbrough & Hull in the EFL play-offs | OneFootball

Millwall have been told exactly why they could trouble their Championship play-off opponents as they vie for promotion to the Premier League

Millwall are vying to win promotion to the Premier League for the first time in their history, as they compete for glory in the Championship play-offs.

The Lions earned a convincing 2-0 victory over relegated Oxford United on the final day of the regular second-tier season, but it wasn't enough to seal automatic promotion.

Ipswich Town clinched second spot instead, finishing one point above Alex Neil's side, thanks to their 3-0 triumph over Queens Park Rangers.

Consequently, Millwall travel to Hull City for the first leg of their Championship play-off semi-final clash on Friday, before hosting the Tigers at The Den on Monday.

The winner of the other semi-final, being played out between Middlesbrough and Southampton, will await either Neil's men or Sergej Jakirovic's side at Wembley.

Millwall told factors that suit them in the Championship play-offs - Hull City, Southampton, and Middlesbrough will be wary

Millwall head into the Championship play-offs in a rich vein of form, having enjoyed a five-game unbeaten run, which included their wins over QPR, Stoke City, and Oxford.

In contrast, Hull have suffered two defeats in their last five outings, but they showed plenty of character to book their play-off spot by beating Norwich City 2-1 in their last outing despite falling a goal behind.

The Lions and the Tigers have both enjoyed 3-1 triumphs over each other in the regular season this term, but more is at stake when they lock horns in the play-offs.

Meanwhile, previewing the clash between Hull and Millwall on Not the Top 20 podcast, EFL expert George Elek revealed the factors that favour Neil's side in their quest for a place in next season's Premier League: "Their set piece record, as everyone will know, is sensational.

"They’ve only conceded nine goals from set pieces this season, which is the second-best in the league, and they ranked third for set-piece goals and fourth for set-piece expected goals, so they’re just a really awkward opponent.

"They are excellent out of possession. They’re very efficient when they have the ball. They don’t concede many chances. They’re brilliant in both boxes from set pieces. For that reason, I think they’re quite a good play-off team."

Millwall must back themselves to defeat Hull City at MKM Stadium

The fact that Millwall finished third in the Championship, whereas Hull finished sixth, has handed Neil's men home advantage for the second leg of their play-off semi-final clash.

However, the Lions know that they have what it takes to beat any of their second-tier opponents on their travels, and should not be fazed by playing away from home in a crunch clash this Friday.

Neil's side earned more points than anyone else on the road in the Championship this term, picking up 41 points, one more than champions Coventry City.

In contrast, seven second-tier teams won more points at home than Hull this season, including fellow play-off teams Millwall, Middlesbrough, and Southampton.

Therefore, the Lions must back themselves to get the better of Jakirovic's side in East Yorkshire this Friday, especially if their set-piece game is up to its usual standards.

Millwall have not been beaten away from home in the Championship since suffering a 2-1 defeat to Coventry on 20 January, which is a fact that Hull will be wary of.