MX23RW : Monday, February 22 11:12:53| >> :60:363:363:

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

Sports Mole previews Tuesday's Championship clash between Rotherham United and Cardiff City, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Rotherham United play host to Cardiff City on Tuesday evening looking to establish some distance between themselves and the Championship relegation zone.

The Millers sit just five points adrift of the Bluebirds, who sit in 14th position after putting together a three-match unbeaten streak.


Match preview

Rotherham United's Matty Crooks celebrates scoring against Middlesbrough in the Championship on January 27, 2021© Reuters

When Rotherham were left with a reduced schedule at the turn of the year, there were inevitably question marks over whether a break from action would benefit them in the long run.

With 13 points having been recorded from a possible 18, it is clear that Paul Warne and his players have taken full advantage, with the Millers putting together the third-best return in the division over that period.

Although Saturday's 2-1 victory at Preston North End has only moved Rotherham one point clear of the drop zone, the Yorkshire side continue to make significant steps in the right direction.

Rotherham have now scored second-half goals in their last nine outings, a further indication that this group of players are playing with a freshness not present at many of their rivals.

Ahead of successive home fixtures against opponents whom they will consider to be rivals, that could prove important over the next seven days.

Cardiff have been left with a similar scenario as recently-appointed manager Mick McCarthy looks to build on an unbeaten start with the Bluebirds.

The Welsh side have collected five points from three matches ahead of a quartet of fixtures versus teams who are no higher than 11th place in the standings.

On the back of eight matches without success, Cardiff ended their wait for a win against Bristol City at the weekend, prevailing by a 2-0 scoreline at Ashton Gate.

Kieffer Moore has scored in his last three matches, taking his total for the season to 11 strikes from 23 appearances in the second tier.

Rotherham United Championship form: WDWLWW

Cardiff City Championship form: LLLDDW
Cardiff City form (all competitions): LLLDDW


Team News

Rotherham United manager Paul Warne pictured on January 16, 2021© Reuters

Ben Wiles is expected to come into the Rotherham XI after Jamie Lindsay's early withdrawal at the weekend.

Matt Crooks and Michael Smith could potentially return to the starting lineup as replacements for George Hirst and Freddie Ladapo.

Cardiff will be forced into at least one change with Dillon Phillips replacing injured goalkeeper Alex Smithies.

Barring any late fitness issues, the remainder of the team could stay the same for the trip to the Millers.

Rotherham United possible starting lineup:
Johansson; Ihiekwe, MacDonald, Robertson; Harding, Wing, Barlaser, Wiles, Giles; Crooks, Smith

Cardiff City possible starting lineup:
Phillips; Morrison, Flint, Nelson; Ng, Vaulks, Ralls, Bennett; Wilson; Ojo, Moore


SM words green background

We say: Rotherham United 1-1 Cardiff City

With things getting congested in the bottom half of the table, both managers will know the value of three points on Tuesday night. While we make Rotherham the marginal favourites to prevail at the New York Stadium, Cardiff are playing well enough to earn a share of the spoils.


Top betting tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting over 1.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Over 1.5:data


ID:434185:cQx:QQ:

This page is available in multiple languages

How you voted: Rotherham vs Cardiff

Rotherham United
38.6%
Draw
27.1%
Cardiff City
34.3%
166
Share this article now:
Did you know...?
Mick McCarthy pictured in February 2018
Read Next:
Mick McCarthy: 'First Cardiff win is a great feeling'
>
Latest Sports Video
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.

rhs 2.0
Todays Game Header Right
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Norwich CityNorwich31197542241864
2Brentford31169656342257
3Watford31169640211957
4Swansea CitySwansea29168537191856
5Reading31156104436851
6Bournemouth311310845301549
7Cardiff CityCardiff311371146331346
8Middlesbrough31137113631546
9Stoke CityStoke31111283733445
10Barnsley30136113435-145
11Millwall3191573027342
12Blackburn RoversBlackburn30116134334939
13Queens Park RangersQPR29109103034-439
14Preston North EndPreston31123163442-839
15Bristol City31123162942-1339
16Luton TownLuton30107132334-1137
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3199132631-536
18Huddersfield TownHuddersfield31106153845-736
19Derby CountyDerby3097142232-1034
20Coventry CityCoventry31810132942-1334
21Birmingham CityBirmingham31710142237-1531
22Rotherham UnitedRotherham2985163340-729
23Sheffield WednesdaySheff Weds3097142132-1128
24Wycombe WanderersWycombe3048182251-2920

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!