Preview: Rotherham United vs. Cardiff City - prediction, team news, lineups

Although the teams sit in 20th and 21st spot in the standings, points deductions are pending for several of the clubs around them.

Match preview

Having recorded six wins and 14 defeats during his 28-match stint at Rotherham, there may be a perception that Matt Taylor is not succeeding in his role at the New York Stadium.

While that is correct on some level, the Millers still sit five points clear of the drop zone with nine matches remaining, a scenario which would have been accepted at the beginning of the season.

Rotherham have lost back-to-back matches to Birmingham City and Preston North End respectively, but a seven-point haul from their previous three games should not be forgotten.

With points deductions likely to be imposed on two of the four teams below them, Rotherham are already in a strong position ahead of this contest, but they can realistically move to within touching distance of survival with victory at the weekend.

Other things would need to go their way for that to materialise as quickly as they would like, yet they already sit just three points off 17th position ahead of attempting to win their fourth home game in seven matches.

Being just one point adrift of their hosts, Cardiff have the same incentives as Rotherham, but Sabri Lamouchi will prefer for his team to focus on their own form.

At one stage, it appeared that Lamouchi's arrival would not have the desired effect, yet the Bluebirds have now collected 10 points from their most recent six games.

The latest of those points came against West Bromwich Albion on Wednesday, Cardiff coming from behind to earn a 1-1 draw at home to the Baggies.

Their away form gives Lamouchi reason to remain concerned about relegation, however, with Cardiff posting just one away success since the World Cup.

Rotherham United Championship form:

L

W

D

W

L

L

Cardiff City Championship form:

W

W

L

W

L

D

Team News

Taylor will make changes to his Rotherham team after their poor performance in midweek, with Tyler Blackett potentially being handed a first start in defence.

Jamie Lindsay is an option in the middle of the pitch, while Conor Washington will expect to be recalled in the final third.

If Ollie Rathbone or Georgie Kelly return from injury, they are expected to be named among the replacements.

Sory Kaba is in line for a recall to the Cardiff attack after coming off the substitutes' bench to score versus West Brom.

Lamouchi will consider reverting to a back three with Cedric Kipre available again, with Andy Rinomhota an option in midfield if fresh legs are required due to the quick turnaround.

Rotherham United possible starting lineup:

Johansson; Harding, Peltier, Humphreys, Blackett; Odoffin, Coventry, Lindsay; Washington, Hugill, Ferguson

Cardiff City possible starting lineup:

Allsop; Romeo, Ng, McGuinness, O'Dowda; Ojo, Rinomhota, Wintle, Philogene-Bidace; Kaba, Etete

We say: Rotherham United 1-1 Cardiff City

While each team knows the benefits of a win on Saturday, they are equally aware that they can ill-afford a defeat. With that in mind, do not be surprised to see a competitive low-scoring draw play out at the New York Stadium.

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