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

Rotherham United make the trip to Ashton Gate to face Bristol City on Saturday afternoon knowing that victory would put them on the brink of survival in the Championship.

At a time when the Millers sit three points above the relegation zone, Bristol City occupy 14th position in the standings.

Match preview

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Rotherham know that every point is vital at this stage of the season, and may particularly ring true after their unlikely 2-2 draw with Burnley in midweek.

The Millers twice trailed the soon-to-be champions, but late goals in either half earned Matt Taylor's side a share of the spoils at the New York Stadium.

Rotherham are three points clear of the bottom three with a game in hand, creating a scenario where one more win may prove enough to survive in the second tier with their cause being helped by a superior goal difference to their rivals.

Of their last 10 fixtures, the Yorkshire outfit have lost just three times, while their only defeat in five outings has come at the hands of third-placed Luton Town.

Nevertheless, Rotherham have won just two of their 21 away league fixtures this campaign, the last of those being posted at Sheffield United in November.

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From Bristol City's perspective, their season is running out of steam, partly due to being provided with a tough run of matches.

One win and four defeats have been posted in their last seven encounters, two of those setbacks coming by 1-0 scorelines at Luton Town and Sheffield United.

Nigel Pearson's team are now six points adrift of 13th place, effectively leaving Bristol City to focus on trying to finish as the best of the rest.

Pearson's side have been excellent at Ashton Gate of late, not suffering a league defeat at their home ground since losing to West Bromwich Albion on Boxing Day.

Team News

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Pearson will likely look to freshen up his Bristol City side with Alex Scott potentially in line to be recalled after two substitute outings since recovering from a knee injury.

Mark Sykes and Tommy Conway will also be considered for recalls, while Kal Naismith may come back into the defence.

Robert Atkinson and Joe Williams are among the players who continue to remain on the substitutes' bench.

Young Rotherham goalkeeper Robbie Hemfrey impressed on debut when needing to replace the injured Josh Vickers against Burnley, but Taylor intends to sign a new stopper on an emergency loan.

Georgie Kelly may come into the side if Jordan Hugill is not passed fit, with Tariqe Fosu-Henry a potential alternative to Domingos Quina.

Bristol City possible starting lineup:

O'Leary; Tanner, Vyner, Naismith, Dasilva; King, Scott; Sykes, Weimann, Bell; Conway

Rotherham United possible starting lineup:

Hemfrey; Peltier, Humphreys, Wood, Bramall; Coventry, Lindsay; Ogbene, Fosu-Henry, Ferguson; Kelly

We say: Bristol City 2-1 Rotherham United

With more to play for, Rotherham will fancy their chances of at least earning a share of the spoils. However, Bristol City may relish facing opponents who are having to cope with pressure, leading us to predict a narrow win for the Robins.

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