Preview: Brentford vs. Rotherham United - prediction, team news, lineups

Promotion-chasing Brentford square off against Rotherham United on Saturday afternoon having lost four of their last six Championship fixtures.

Despite remaining in the relegation zone, the Millers head into this encounter sitting just three points adrift of safety with two games in hand.

Match preview

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Ahead of the trip to leaders Norwich City, Brentford boss Thomas Frank would have been confident that his side could get back into the race for the Championship title.

However, the 1-0 reverse at Carrow Road has left the Bees facing a 10-point deficit, as well as coming under increasing pressure from Watford and Swansea City.

Ambitions to earn promotion as champions are now on the backburner with Frank focused on ensuring that another setback does not occur at their own ground.

While successive home wins have been recorded against Sheffield Wednesday and Stoke City, Brentford are yet to recover from their surprise humbling at the hands of Barnsley on February 14.

The Tykes and Cardiff City have also made up significant ground in recent weeks, leaving Brentford as close to eighth spot as they are to Norwich.

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Despite suffering five defeats in succession, Rotherham have always remained in contention with regards to getting out of trouble due to their games in hand.

However, their last-gasp triumph at rivals Sheffield Wednesday on Wednesday night has the potential to change their season, with the Millers now capable of moving into 19th place if they prevail in their extra double-header.

With meetings with Brentford and Watford to come before the next international break, Paul Warne will not be thinking too far ahead, but there is full belief behind the scenes that they can move out of the relegation zone.

While the goals scored at Hillsborough ended a four-game wait to find the back of the net, the Yorkshire side have now gone over a month without conceding more than two goals in a match.

Brentford Championship form: LLLWWL

Rotherham United Championship form: LLLLLW

Team News

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Freddie Ladapo will replace the suspended Michael Smith, who was dismissed during the second half of the win against the Owls.

Florian Jozefzoon is in line to make his second start in quick succession after registering his first assist of the campaign.

After two substitute appearances over the past week, Brentford midfielder Christian Norgaard is in contention for a start.

Tariqe Fosu-Henry could replace Sergi Canos on the left flank, while Frank may want to give Emiliano Marcondes an opportunity to impress in a creative role.

Pontus Jansson and Rico Henry both remain absent through injury with neither player due back in the short term.

Brentford possible starting lineup:
Raya; Dalsgaard, Reid, Pinnock, Sorensen; Norgaard, Janelt, Marcondes; Mbeumo, Toney, Canos

Rotherham United possible starting lineup:
Johansson; Olosunde, Harding, MacDonald, Wiles; Wing, Barlaser, Crooks; Jozefzoon, Ladapo, Giles

We say: Brentford 2-1 Rotherham United

After their dramatic win in midweek, Rotherham will feel that some pressure has been lifted ahead of the contest in the capital. Nevertheless, we are backing Brentford to get over the line in a close match, potentially during the latter stages when they will be aware that they can ill-afford many more dropped points.