Alex Neil arrives at Hull City’s MKM Stadium with a résumé that reads three play‑off promotions – Hamilton, Sunderland and Norwich. His Millwall side, back in the Championship play‑offs after a 24‑year hiatus, sit third and are tipped to out‑last sixth‑placed Hull. Neil insists past form matters less than delivering a decisive moment on the night.

Neil reminded reporters that both clubs have split results this season – Hull won once away, Millwall claimed the other. He highlighted the importance of ‘magic’, citing goalkeeper Anthony Patterson, a former play‑off hero at Sunderland, and midfielder Barry Bannan, whose Blackpool and Sheffield Wednesday experiences could tip tight moments. Their set‑piece routines have also improved, offering another edge. Consistency on the road fuels Millwall’s confidence.

Finishing the regular campaign with the division’s best away record, Millwall aim to seize a first‑leg advantage before returning to The Den for the return fixture. Neil stressed that fearlessness away from home has become a habit, and that attacking intent must remain constant regardless of venue. A positive result in Hull would place the Lions in a strong position for Wembley.