After seeing their hopes of automatic promotion ended despite the 1-0 away at Barnet, which incidentally led to the sacking of Bees manager Ian Hendon, Rotherham United return to home action looking to guarantee a spot in the League Two play-offs. Although they may have missed out on a top three finish the Millers went five points clear of eighth placed Morecambe with the victory over the Bees, and with two games of the regular campaign remaining just two points is all that's required to ensure a place in the end of season lottery.
With no fresh injury or suspension concerns boss Ronnie Moore may be expected to start with the same 11 as the one which clinched three points at Underhill. Loan midfielder Josh Walker was forced off during that match but should recover in time and will hope to keep his place in the squad. Dale Tonge and Tom Pope remain sidelined, however some positive news to come out of Don Valley this week is that the fitness of long-term absentees Andy Liddell and Stephen Brogan is improving, the pair featured for the reserves in the 2-0 defeat against Newcastle in mid-week.
Having watched his players produce a five star display against Accrington Stanley and managing to stay clear of any new injuries Crewe Alexandra manager Dario Gradi will be tempted to play the same starting 11. That means Patrick Ada may retain his place in the line-up after been given his first start since November in that game at Gresty Road, Ashley Westwood is likely to operate at right-back once more with Danny Shelley keeping his place in midfield.
The Millers will be confident of getting all three points having only lost four times on home soil in the league this season. Their 10 victories and eight draws have been a pivotal reason for their high position in the table and they will be extra keen to extend their season in front of their own fans.
With nothing more than personal pride to play for the visitors will arrive in South Yorkshire in buoyant mood following their impressive 5-1 victory in their last outing. The Alex are currently 17th in League Two and find a 13 point gap separates them from both the play-off pack and the relegation zone, however despite an in-consistent season their away record is one of the best for a side in the bottom half of the table having clocked up 29 of their 54 points on their travels after eight wins and five draws. One interesting statistic is that with 33 goals only the top two teams in the division have scored more on the road in the league all season, and after putting a stop to a run of four successive defeats with a win and a draw from their last two matches, they will be looking to spoil the party and end their season on a high note.
Since the first meeting during the 1923/24 season the two teams have come face-to-face on 75 occasions. During that campaign both sides recorded 1-0 home victories as early signs showed the two were hard to separate. The biggest margin of success came in October 1932 when the Millers were thrashed 8-0 and that is still the record today albeit they did gain some revenge in the 1973/74 season with eight goals themselves in an 8-1 away victory. Although there hasn't been a league double since the 1996/97 season when Crewe ran out 1-0 winners at home and 4-1 in the away fixture, the Millers have the incentive to claim one this time around having beaten their opponents 3-2 at Gresty Road back in October. While the two have played out 17 draws all in all it is the Alex who hold the advantage with 31 wins to 27 and after been well beaten 5-1 at Millmoor in recent seasons they will be keen to avoid a repeat.
Words: Chris Ellison
