A look at the Rams ahead of the clash at the iPro Stadium...
Derby County have been vying for promotion back to the top flight for a number of years now, coming close on more than one occasion. The Rams lost 1-0 to QPR in the 2013-14 Play-off final and a late slip last season – which saw them win just two of their final 13 league matches – again cost them a place in the Premier League.They started this season as they ended the last and were winless in their first five games, but have now hit their stride under new boss Paul Clement, winning all but two of their eight league matches since August.
In fact, the Rams have turned around their fortunes so much that they are now the league’s in-form side, having taken 14 points from a possible 18.
Clement has retained faith with the 4-3-3 system that Derby have employed over the past few seasons, with Chris Martin spearheading the attack.
Major honours
Division One: 1972, 1975
FA Cup: 1946
League position
5th
One to watch – Bradley Johnson
Johnson was named Norwich City Player of the Year last season as he helped the Canaries to promotion via the Play-offs, but despite starting their first game of the season, the 28-year-old was offloaded to Derby on deadline day for a club-record £6m.
The energetic midfielder netted 15 goals last term and has already scored twice since his switch to Clement’s side.
He is likely to line up in central midfield alongside fellow summer signing Jacob Butterfield and will be given license to roam forward by the more defensive-minded George Thorne.
Previous encounters
Rotherham drew 3-3 with Derby in a six-goal thriller at the AESSEAL New York Stadium back in February. Goals from Paul Green, Richard Smallwood and Matt Derbyshire put the Millers 3-1 ahead 10 minutes into the second half, but Tom Ince’s second and a late Darren Bent equaliser handed Derby a share of the spoils.
The game at the iPro Stadium in August 2014 saw just one goal, with Jeff Hendrick netting the winner eight minutes from time.
Likely Lineup
Carson; Christie, Keogh, Shackell, Forsyth; Johnson, Butterfield, Thorne; Weimann, Martin, Russell
Injuries
Will Hughes (knee), Tom Ince (ankle – doubt)