Rotherham United are back in league action today as Tranmere Rovers make the trip to The AESSEAL New York Stadium, and you can find all of the key information ahead of the clash below.
Fixture: Rotherham United vs Tranmere Rovers
Competition: Sky Bet League One
Date: Saturday 31st August 2019
Kick-Off: 3:00 pm
Venue: The AESSEAL New York Stadium
Referee: Andy Haines
Rotherham United
Form: LLWWL
League Position: 14th
Top Scorer: Freddie Ladapo (2 goals)
Following the unfortunate exit out of the Carabao Cup this week, Paul Warne will be looking to getting back to winning ways as he welcomes Micky Mellon, his staff, players and the Tranmere Rovers fans to the ASSEAL New York Stadium.
Matt Olosunde is a doubt going into the match after sustaining a calf issue, as is Matt Crooks who has took a knock on his ankle, but both could be fit in time to feature. On a positive note for the Millers, Joe Mattock is close to returning to action after picking up a rib injury.
Tranmere Rovers
Form: LLLWL
League Position: 18th
Top Scorer: Morgan Ferrier & Connor Jennings (2 goals)
After back-to-back promotions to League One, Tranmere Rovers will be looking to cement themselves as a third tier club, despite the challenge of replacing one of the country’s top goal scorers last season in James Norwood, following his departure to Ipswich Town.
Rovers have tried to fill the space that Norwood has left, with the arrival of Morgan Ferrier from Walsall for an undisclosed fee. Despite the forward man netting twice so far this season, he has now been ruled out for up to eight weeks with a knee ligament injury, leaving Micky Mellon with a decision to make.
The Whites' boss will also be without Corey Blackett-Taylor and Ollie Banks following both players’ red cards at Bristol Rovers. Due to Tranmere’s fixture against Bury being cancelled, the suspension for the duo will start today.
One to watch: David Perkins
With a huge amount of Football League experience, David Perkins is one of the leaders in the Tranmere Rovers team. Perkins, who has represented Wigan Athletic at a high level, played a pivotal role in Rovers’ success last season.
Scott Davies is the club captain for Tranmere Rovers, but a lot of the talk outfield comes from Perkins, and those leadership qualities can't be underestimated alongside the likes of fellow midfielder, Darren Potter.
Talk
Richie Barker: "They'll have some motivated players that will get opportunities. I watched their game against Portsmouth a few weeks ago and I thought they were excellent in the first half.
"What they have got is terrific momentum off the back of two promotions, and I know Micky Mellon will leave no stone unturned so they will be very well organised.”
Micky Mellon: “It will be a very tough game on Saturday like I always say, and we’re looking forward to it, it is a good exam, a real good test for us to see where we are up to.
“They are a team relegated from the Championship and we know they have a team of League One players that are comfortable in this environment as League One players as they know and expect the challenges which come their way."
Coverage
iFollow Millers will be providing full 90-minute commentary from the match, whilst the Rotherham United Twitter feed will be providing live updates for the entirety.
Reaction will be available on the official website post-match, as well as on iFollow and social media.