A brief overview on the opposition that awaits at the Riverside...
Just like the Millers, Middlesbrough come into this game on the back of a 3-0 scoreline, but Aitor Karanka’s side were triumphant at the weekend while Rotherham conceded three goals without reply at Derby County.In fact, Boro have won their last three matches in all competitions – a run which includes a penalty-shootout victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford in the League Cup fourth round.
The Teesiders boasted the meanest defence in the Championship last season as they conceded just 37 goals and their rearguard has only been breached on only nine occasions in the current campaign.
However, they did fail to find the back of the net in three consecutive games at the start of October, so Neil Redfearn’s troops will hope to stifle Boro’s attack at the Riverside.
Major honours
League Cup: 2004
League position
4th
One to watch – Stewart Downing
Stewart Downing had spent the entirety of his career as a Premier League player prior to this season, but the allure of rejoining his boyhood side proved too big to turn down.
The attacking midfielder, who has earned 35 England caps, scored six goals and laid on eight assists as he helped West Ham to a 12th-placed finish last season before moving back to Teeside for £5m.
Downing has already netted twice for Boro this season and Rotherham will have to be alert to shackle the 31-year-old.
Previous encounters
Rotherham failed to net in either of the league meetings between the sides last season. Boro won 2-0 at the Riverside in April, while Jordan Bowery was sent off in a 3-0 home defeat, a decision that was later overturned, just over a year ago.
Likely Lineup
Konstantopoulos; Nsue, Ayala, Amorebieta, Friend; Zuculini, Leadbitter; Fabbrini, Adomah, Downing; Nugent
Injuries
Adam Forshaw (back), Christian Stuani (hamstring).