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

Hartlepool United and Rotherham United take a break from league action on Wednesday evening to try to reach the final of the EFL Trophy.

While the visitors sit four points clear at the top of the League One standings, the home side find themselves in mid-table in League Two.

Match preview

© Reuters

As far as seasons go in the third tier, Rotherham have enjoyed a near-perfect one thus far, establishing an advantage in the promotion race and moving to within one win of a trip to Wembley Stadium.

However, Paul Warne will have cut a frustrated figure over the weekend after witnessing the Millers lose their 11-match unbeaten record in all competitions to rivals MK Dons.

Against the odds, the visitors to the New York Stadium came from behind at a player disadvantage, securing a result which has moved them to within seven points of Rotherham with 10 matches remaining.

Warne will be happy to have a break from focusing on league matters, but collecting just seven points from a possible 15 has left their bid to return to the Championship less of a foregone conclusion.

For all of their dominance, the Yorkshire side have also scored just nine times in eight outings, and Warne will be demanding widespread improvements ahead of this contest.

© Reuters

Rotherham have twice required a penalty shootout to reach this stage of the competition, edging out Port Vale and Cambridge United respectively, and Hartlepool did the same in the quarter-finals as they got the better of Charlton Athletic.

To their credit, Hartlepool have avoided defeat in four games against League One opponents in this season's EFL Trophy, providing them with genuine hope of an upset.

Since going down 2-0 to Crystal Palace in the FA Cup fourth round, Graeme Lee's side have collected 16 points from a possible 21 in the fourth tier, their latest success coming away at Harrogate Town on Saturday.

On three of those occasions, Hartlepool have come from behind to claim a maximum return, and they now sit just eight points adrift of the playoff spots with 12 matches remaining.

Team News

© Reuters

Barring any fitness issues, Lee may be prepared to name the same Hartlepool side which battled back to see off Harrogate.

However, Joe White, who has made five starts since his January arrival, is cup-tied after representing Newcastle United earlier in the competition.

While Warne will select a strong Rotherham XI, there are likely to be several alterations from the team which wilted at the weekend.

Joshua Kayode could feature down the middle of the attack, with Michael Smith potentially being handed a rest, while Jordi Osei-Tutu is an option in one of the wing-back positions.

Richard Wood and Angus MacDonald may also get the nod in the back three, replacing any two of the trio which featured versus MK Dons.

Hartlepool United possible starting lineup:

Killip; Sterry, Liddle, Odusina, Ferguson; Shelton, Featherstone, Crawford; Molyneux, Bogle, Grey

Rotherham United possible starting lineup:

Vickers; Ihiekwe, Wood, MacDonald; Osei-Tutu, Rathbone, Barlaser, Wiles, Ferguson; Kayode, Ladapo

We say: Hartlepool United 1-3 Rotherham United

With a trip to Wembley on offer to both sides, this game has a big-match feel to it, particularly for the home side who have less to fight for in their respective league. However, we cannot back against the visitors, who will be motivated to bounce back from their surprise defeat at the weekend.