Shaun Hutchinson's return is a boost for Millwall

Lions lifted by Hutchinson return

Millwall have stopped the rot with two wins in their last three games and Tuesday's 2-1 success at home to Wigan was capped off by the return of key defender Shaun Hutchinson, who came off the bench in the 86th minute.

Hutchinson was Millwall's player of the season in 2017-18 after playing in all 46 games and being a key part of a team who conceded just 45 league goals.

However, he suffered a knee injury in August and his absence from the starting line-up has coincided with a run of ten league games without a clean sheet.

Millwall manager Neil Harris will be delighted to have the 27-year-old in contention and will be tempted to give him a bigger role at home to Ipswich.

Jack at the back for Rovers

Jack Rodwell is attempting to rebuild his career and is in contention to start in an unfamiliar centre-back position when Blackburn take on West Brom at the Hawthorns.

Blackburn manager Tony Mowbray, a former central defender, has seen a different side to Rodwell, who came off the bench to play at centre-back during Rovers' 3-1 loss at Swansea on Tuesday.

Rovers are stretched at the back because Darragh Lenihan suffered a hip injury in midweek, making him a major doubt for the weekend.

Mowbray wants to see Lenihan back in the side as soon as possible.
He said: “Lenihan is a very mobile and athletic defender and one that we will miss if he's not available.”

Donny depleted in defence

Doncaster have the joint-worst defensive record among the top 13 teams in Sky Bet League One with 20 goals conceded and they could be weaker than usual at the back without right-back Niall Mason and central defender Andy Butler, who are suspended for Saturday's match at Coventry.

Mason and Butler have started every league game this season and their absences will give encouragement to Coventry, who are targeting a fifth successive league victory.

Pompey stretched at Stanley

Portsmouth have a four-point lead at the top of Sky Bet League One but they are going to be understrength for their tricky trip to fourth-placed Accrington.

Pompey may be forced into a double change in midfield with Dion Donohue (hamstring) expected to miss out and Tom Naylor serving a one-game ban after accumulating five yellow cards.

Naylor has not missed a minute of league action this season and his absence from the holding role will put more pressure on Pompey's back four.

The visitors may have to rely on their attacking prowess but they could be without attacker Oli Hawkins (ankle), who was forced off during the 2-2 draw with Burton on Tuesday.

Labadie lured back to Newport

Patience has paid off for Newport, who have snapped up their former captain Joss Labadie on a deal until the end of the season.

Labadie had turned down an offer from the Welsh club this summer but has had a rethink much to the delight of Exiles' manager Mike Flynn.

Having only just returned to training after a long-term knee injury, Labadie, who was one of Newport's most influential players last term, will need time to get back up to speed and might not be in the frame for Saturday's clash at home to Morecambe.

But Newport are boosted by the availability of centre-back Mark O'Brien, who returned from a three-week layoff to play the full 90 minutes of Tuesday's 1-1 draw away to Bury.

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