MX23RW : Friday, April 26 13:22:10| >> :120:9653:9653:

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

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

Out-of-form sides Rotherham United and Cardiff City meet at the New York Stadium on Saturday seeking a return to winning ways in the Championship.

Rotherham have won one of their last nine games and are in the relegation zone, while Cardiff's playoff hopes have taken a serious dent following three defeats in a row.


Match preview

Rotherham United manager Paul Warne pictured on September 12, 2020© Reuters

Rotherham appeared to have revived their season with a 2-0 win over Bristol City two weeks ago, but they have since lost 2-1 to Blackburn Rovers and Barnsley.

That most recent loss at the hands of their South Yorkshire rivals leaves the Millers 23rd, only kept off the bottom of the table by Wycombe Wanderers.

Wycombe are now within a point of Rotherham, though, after picking up a victory over United's next opponents Cardiff earlier this week.

The Bluebirds fell to a 2-1 reverse at Adams Park in what will surely be the nadir of their campaign.

It marked the ninth defeat of their season and a third on the spin, with the pressure now seriously growing on boss Neil Harris, who was sent to the stands.

Cardiff City manager Neil Harris pictured in October 2020© Reuters

To make matters worse for City, they have lost their first league match in each of the last three calendar years, including a 6-1 loss at the hands of Queens Park Rangers in 2019.

Another defeat this weekend, regardless of the manner of the scoreline, could well bring an end to Harris's tenure.

Cardiff's disappointing run includes back-to-back defeats on their travels to Norwich City and Wycombe, though they have won two of their last three games away to Rotherham.

Indeed, the Yorkshire outfit have won just one of the last 10 league meetings with Cardiff, losing 5-0 in the most recent match in February 2017.

Rotherham United Championship form: LLLWLL

Cardiff City Championship form: WLWLLL


Team News

Cardiff City's Harry Wilson celebrates scoring against Bournemouth in the Championship on October 21, 2020© Reuters

Matt Smith is in contention to return for Rotherham, which could mean a change in formation should the striker be paired with Freddie Ladapo.

Barnsley are one of a number of Championship clubs to be heavily hit by coronavirus cases in recent days, with numerous players being forced to isolate.

Angus MacDonald, Matt Crooks and Billy Jones are among those expected to miss out on this match as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Cardiff do not have such issues to worry about, but they will be without manager Harris after he was sent to the stands last time out.

Filip Benkovic came on for injured captain Sean Morrison against Wycombe and is almost certain to make his full debut this weekend.

Junior Hoilett is among those pushing for a recall in attack, with Robert Glatzel expected to lead the line.

Rotherham United possible starting lineup:
Johansson; Wood, Ihiekwe, Harding; Olosunde, Wiles, Barlaser, Lindsay, Jozefzoon; Ladapo, Smith

Cardiff City possible starting lineup:
Smithies; Bacuna, Benkovic, Nelson, Bennett; Ralls, Vaulks; Ojo, Wilson, Hoilett; Glatzel


SM words green background

We say: Rotherham United 0-2 Cardiff City

This is surely a do-or-die match for Cardiff boss Harris on the back of three straight defeats.

Rotherham are themselves in need of points, but we can see the Bluebirds getting their campaign back on track with victory at the New York Stadium.


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:428700: cacheID:428700:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:7779:

Previews by email

Click here to get Sports Mole's daily email of previews and predictions for every major game!


Restore Data
Share this article now:
Cardiff City manager Neil Harris pictured in October 2020
Read Next:
Neil Harris criticises Cardiff for being "too soft" in Wycombe defeat
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Leicester CityLeicester443041086394794
2Leeds UnitedLeeds44279880374390
3Ipswich TownIpswich432611685533289
4Southampton442591085612484
5West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom4420121267442372
6Norwich CityNorwich442191477611672
7Hull City441912136556969
8Coventry CityCoventry4317121468551363
9Middlesbrough44189176460463
10Preston North EndPreston44189175661-563
11Cardiff CityCardiff44195205061-1162
12Bristol City441611175147459
13Sunderland44168205251156
14Swansea CitySwansea441511185762-556
15Watford441217155958153
16Millwall441411194355-1253
17Stoke CityStoke441311204460-1650
18Queens Park RangersQPR441311204157-1650
19Blackburn RoversBlackburn441310215874-1649
20Plymouth ArgylePlymouth441212205869-1148
21Sheffield WednesdaySheff Weds44138233968-2947
22Birmingham CityBirmingham441210224864-1646
23Huddersfield TownHuddersfield44917184774-2744
RRotherham UnitedRotherham44412283285-5324


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!