Millwall are effectively out of the promotion playoff running after suffering back to back losses in the Championship. Although the club could theoretically finish on the same number of points as the Championship's sixth place team, Millwall's goal difference is inferior to the clubs they are chasing.
The only way Millwall have a chance of making the promotion playoffs going into the final day is if they win, Derby and Preston both lose; and there is a 10-goal swing that sees Millwall overtake the Rams. It isn't likely, but stranger things have happened, right?
Regardless, the 2017-18 season has been one of progression at The Den and Millwall will want to finish strongly in their first season back in the Championship.
Millwall manager Neil Harris has seen his team go winless in their last three fixtures. The club's great second half push and Harris' lack of player rotation has led to fatigue within the side over the last three weeks. Sunday's opponents Aston Villa have already secured fourth place in the Championship and the Villains will go into the promotion playoffs against Middlesbrough unless something unexpected occurs in their final fixture.
Aston Villa have been steady under manager Steve Bruce. The side were in line for an automatic playoff place just a few months ago. However, no matter how good Aston Villa have been, it has been impossible to catch high flying Cardiff and Fulham. Aston Villa are undefeated in their last four matches. During that time span, Bruce's defence has been excellent, allowing just one goal while the attack as tallied seven.
Bruce has the luxury of resting his star players on the final day of the season. With a place in the playoffs secured, he may take advantage of the match with Millwall being a dead rubber. However, the veteran manager will know momentum at this time of the year is important, and he may still pick his best XI against the Lions.
Even if Bruce rests his players, Aston Villa should have enough talent on the pitch to gain a point against Millwall. Harris' team is tired and playing against at top four side will see Millwall's winless run continue. The fixture will end in a draw at The Den. It will be the second draw the clubs have experienced this term when playing each other. Although it was a great season for Millwall after last term's promotion from League 1, a second successive promotion will be a step too far for the club.