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

Swansea City will be aiming to break back into the Championship's automatic promotion places when they host Rotherham United on Saturday.

The Swans lost 1-0 to Norwich City before the international break to slip to sixth in the table but are still only three points behind league leaders Reading.

Match preview

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Marco Stiepermann's 84th-minute goal at Carrow Road condemned Swansea to just a second league defeat of the season in a game that was full of chances for both sides.

Andre Ayew headed against the post while Jamal Lowe saw multiple efforts saved by Tim Krul, who was in inspired form.

It was just the second Championship match this season in which the Welsh side failed to score, so Steve Cooper will hope that that clinical edge is restored when his team return to familiar surroundings.

They have won 10 points from a possible 15 at the Liberty Stadium this season, while only Middlesbrough have conceded fewer goals at home than Swansea (three).

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That is not good news for Rotherham, who have not won on the road since they beat Wycombe Wanderers 1-0 on the opening weekend.

That is one of just two victories in the Millers' last 53 away games in the Championship, while they have not won at Swansea since April 2006.

Paul Warne's side did win at home before the international break, as Matt Crooks netted late on to secure a 2-1 win over Preston North End that moved them five points clear of the relegation zone.

Despite being without a number of key players, Rotherham put in a spirited performance to grind out a result – something they have struggled to do in their recent spells in the second tier, which will give Warne confidence that his team can avoid an immediate drop back to League One.

Swansea City Championship form: DDWWDL

Rotherham United Championship form: DLWLLW

Team News

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Andre Ayew and Marc Guehi both returned to Swansea from international duty early due to fatigue and are doubts for the game.

In better news for Steve Cooper, Ben Cabango is available again having missed the last two matches with a hamstring injury.

There was a concern that Kyle Naughton may be set for a spell on the sidelines after he was forced off against Norwich with a hamstring problem, but he is also available for selection.

Kieran Sadlier became the latest addition to Rotherham's ever-growing injury list when an ankle problem forced him off against Preston. It is expected to rule him out for around three months.

Jamal Blackman missed the Preston match with an ankle knock and returned to parent club Chelsea for treatment during the international break, but could be back available for the trip to South Wales.

Joe Mattock is also back in contention following a hamstring issue, but Paul Warne may not risk the left-back, who has a patchy injury record.

Swansea City possible starting lineup: Woodman; Naughton, Bennett, Cabango; Roberts, Fulton, Grimes, Smith, Bidwell; Lowe, Gyokeres

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

We say: Swansea City 1-0 Rotherham United

Even if they are missing Andre Ayew, Swansea should still overcome a Rotherham side with plenty of injury problems of their own. Paul Warne's men have rarely been outplayed this season though, and they should give a good account of themselves at the Liberty Stadium.

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