After an incredible FA Cup comeback against Solihull Moors last Monday, Rotherham focus their attentions back on the league as they aim to solidify their place in the top six and you can find all of the key information ahead of the clash below...
Fixture: Rotherham United V Rochdale
Competition: Sky Bet League One
Date: Saturday 7th December 2019
Kick-Off: 3:00pm
Venue: AESSEAL New York Stadium
Referee: C. Sarginson
Rotherham United
Form: WLWWLW
League Position: 4th
Top Scorer: Freddie Ladapo (10)
Rotherham completed one of the greatest FA Cup comebacks in recent times as they defeated Solihull 4-3 with four goals in the last 16 minutes after finding themselves 3-0 down.
The memorable victory is perhaps the pinnacle of the Millers’ recent form which has seen the club climb up to 4th in the table with a series of positive results.
Despite losing 3-2 to an ever-improving Portsmouth side in their last league outing, Paul Warne’s men remain on track as they look to complete a return to the Championship at the first time of asking.
It is unsure whether Clark Robertson will feature on Saturday due to a groin problem, but Joe Mattock is expected to be fit enough to make the squad and possibly make the starting lineup.
Centre-back Richard Wood is a week and a half away from contention and Billy Jones will be sidelined until at least the New Year with a hamstring problem.
Rochdale
Form: DWLWLD
League Position: 16th
Top Scorer: Ian Henderson (10)
It’s been a season of two halves thus far for Rochdale, with Brian Barry-Murphy’s side suffering from a five-game losing streak in the league.
Dale did start the season strongly, collecting nine points from their first six games as well as almost knocking out Premier League giants Manchester United in the Carabao Cup before ultimately falling short on penalties.
However, Rochdale have found it tough in recent weeks and the side now find themselves in 16th position.
16-year-old Luke Matheson, the scorer of Dale’s equaliser against Manchester United and who earlier this week was named as one of 11 young footballers recognised by the League Football Education, could start again after a string of fine performances.
However, veteran defender Paul McShane is set to miss out once again but Oliver Rathbone could start after making an appearance off the bench in the midweek FA Cup stalemate against non-league Boston United.
One to watch: Ian Henderson
Without a doubt the biggest threat coming from the Rochdale camp is that of club captain Ian Henderson.
The forward has scored 10 goals already this campaign and is well on track to finish as the club’s top scorer for an incredible sixth season in a row.
The former Norwich youth player has notched a mightily impressive 107 goals in his six full seasons at the club in all competitions and looks very likely to be the man responsible if the Millers’ rearguard is broken on Saturday.
The 34-year-old had a short-stinted loan spell at Rotherham way back in 2007 where he scored just one solitary goal, and Paul Warne will be hoping Henderson doesn’t come back to haunt his side 12 years after he departed.
Talk
Paul Warne: "Every game is tough. In fairness, you could say they are in the bottom half of the league, but in all due respect, Solihull were two leagues below us.
"They are really well coached. In that respect, they'll be well-prepared. They'll want to play at our place because it is a great place to play football, so they'll turn up and really fancy the challenge against us and there will be pressure on us to perform as well, as there always is for the home team.
"If we can win at home it would be great, but all we want from our lads is to play their absolute best and if they do that, and they don't win, then what more can we ask.”
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.