Bernie Wilson
Updated on: October 11, 2024 8:07 am GMT
Rotherham United will aim to gain momentum as they face Burton Albion in the 2024-25 League One season this Saturday at the AESSEAL New York Stadium. With both teams struggling for form, the clash presents a crucial opportunity for the hosts to elevate their standing in the league.
Form and Standings
Rotherham United enters the match ranked 15th in the league, having accumulated five points from five matches. Their record includes one win, two draws, and two losses. Prior to the international break, Rotherham played to a 1-1 draw against Charlton Athletic. Liam Kelly opened the scoring for Rotherham, but the lead was short-lived as Chuks Aneke equalized just ten minutes later. This draw brought an end to a challenging sequence of matches where Rotherham had gone eight games without scoring away from home, marking a significant improvement ahead of their upcoming fixture.
Conversely, Burton Albion sits lower in the standings at 19th place with just three points from their early-season campaigns. The Brewers started the season with a disappointing 3-2 loss to Lincoln City, followed by three consecutive draws against Mansfield Town, Stevenage, and Northampton Town, with the latter two matches finishing without goals. Currently, they are among four clubs in the league without a win, a concerning statistic for Mark Robinson’s squad.
Team News and Injury Updates
Rotherham’s injury list includes key players Sean Raggett and Joseph Hungbo, both of whom missed the recent fixture and are doubtful for the match against Burton. Manager Steve Evans has been proactive in seeking to strengthen the team’s midfield by negotiating a new contract for Hakeem Odoffin, who is expected to pair with Liam Kelly this weekend.
On the other side, Burton Albion’s loanee from Chelsea, Ronnie Stutter, will miss the game due to a groin injury sustained in training. Additionally, Billy Bodin (calf) is expected to be sidelined for approximately four weeks. Some relief comes as Charlie Webster and Julian Larsson have returned to training; however, Robinson has decided to exercise caution and not include them in the lineup for this match.
Previous Encounters and Tactical Analysis
The last meeting between these two sides took place in 2022, with Burton securing a 2-0 victory, thanks to contributions from former Manchester United defender Cameron Borthwick-Jackson and John Brayford, who now serves on the coaching staff at Burton. Historical performance may influence team morale, but recent form is likely to play a more significant role in the outcome of Saturday’s match.
Rotherham’s recent display against Charlton demonstrates a potential upward trend, as they have not lost at home in their last four games across all competitions after a 1-0 defeat to Plymouth Argyle in April. The Millers will look to harness this home advantage, particularly against a struggling Burton side that has failed to score for nearly 200 minutes.
Burton Albion’s tactical approach will be crucial, especially against Rotherham’s solid home form. Given their current struggles in front of goal, finding reliable attacking options will be imperative. Robinson’s strategy will likely focus on tightening the defense while looking for opportunities to exploit any weaknesses Rotherham may reveal.
Match Prediction
Basing predictions on current form and injuries, Rotherham United appears slightly favored to win this encounter. They have shown resilience at home, and the recent draw points to a side that is capable of improvement. Burton Albion, while possessing the potential to pull off an upset, will need to address their goal-scoring woes promptly.
As the matchday approaches, both teams search for pivotal points to bolster their campaigns. For Rotherham, a win could mark the beginning of a serious charge towards the top half of the table, while for Burton, securing a victory would provide a much-needed lift in morale and confidence.
Predicted Lineups
Rotherham United possible starting lineup:
- Phillips
- Rafferty
- Humphreys
- McCart
- James
- Odoffin
- Kelly
- Powell
- Wilks
- Nombe
- Clarke-Harris
Burton Albion possible starting lineup:
- Crocombe
- Vancooten
- Sweeney
- Armer
- Godwin-Malife
- Kalinauskas
- Chauke
- Watt
- Billy
- Orsi
- Whitfield
As the two teams get ready to play, both really need points. Rotherham United wants to keep their home winning streak going, while Burton Albion is hoping to turn their season around by getting their first win. This match is very important for both teams as they try to do well in the League One race.
