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

After their triumph in the Football League Trophy, Rotherham United return to League One action this weekend as they welcome Charlton Athletic to New York Stadium.

The Millers secured a place in the next phase of the Vertu Trophy after edging past fourth-tier side Chesterfield on penalties following a goalless draw in midweek.

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Match preview

Tuesday's triumph marked the latest chapter in Rotherham's impressive run, stretching their unbeaten streak across all competitions to five matches.

Four of those have come in League One, with the Millers alternating between a win and a draw, including their most recent outing, where they secured a 3-1 home victory against Bolton Wanderers.

That result leaves them 13th in the standings with 31 points from 24 games, 10 adrift of playoff spots, and they will look to build on their strong form with more wins if they are to push for an immediate return to the Championship.

Rotherham find themselves in League One this season after finishing bottom of the second tier in 2023-24, amassing just 27 points from 46 games.

Having seen their gameweek 26 fixture against Wycombe Wanderers postponed, Steve Evans's side will aim to make it back-to-back league wins this weekend, though their struggles against Charlton cast doubts on their chances.

The Millers are winless in all nine meetings between the sides and have only managed to take points from this fixture in recent times on their travels, securing 1-1 draws on their last two visits to the Valley, including in the reverse fixture this season.

Charlton will be eager to continue their dominance over Rotherham, having won four of the last six meetings, with three of those victories coming in their most recent trips to New York.

Like their hosts, the Addicks are in the midst of an unbeaten league run, though theirs stretches to six games, comprising three wins and three draws.

Their last league outing ended in a goalless draw against Reading, leaving them with 34 points from 23 games, two places above this weekend's opponents.

Nathan Jones's side head into this clash following a 2-1 FA Cup defeat against Championship outfit Preston North End on Tuesday as they bowed out of the competition.

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Team News

Evans is expected to stick with his preferred back four of Joe Rafferty, Zak Jules, Hakeem Odoffin and Reece James, who have started the last five matches together, keeping clean sheets in three.

Changes could be made elsewhere, with Dillon Phillips set to reclaim his place in goal after sitting out the last game, while Mallik Wilks and Sam Nombe - two of the scorers in their previous league outing - could return to the starting XI.

As for Charlton, Jones admitted his squad is ''in a much better place in terms of numbers,'' giving him plenty of options for this encounter.

Miles Leaburn could be restored to the starting XI in attack after coming off the bench last time out, while Luke Berry, who netted in the FA Cup defeat, may retain his place in midfield.

Rotherham United possible starting lineup: Phillips; Rafferty, Odofin, Jules, James; Humphreys, Powell, Wilks, MacDonald, McWilliams; Nombe

Charlton Athletic possible starting lineup: Maynard-Brewer; Mitchell, Jones, Gillesphey, Edwards; Coventry, Docherty; Small, Berry, Campbell; Leaburn

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We say: Rotherham United 1-1 Charlton Athletic

Charlton's dominance in this fixture gives them an edge, but Rotherham's strong league form and unbeaten streak make them tough to beat.

Both sides have been consistent in recent weeks, and with neither wanting to lose ground in the standings, a draw seems the most likely outcome in a competitive encounter.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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