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

In sharp contrast, Rotherham are four points adrift of safety and without a manager after they opted to part ways with Matt Taylor.

Match preview

Daniel Farke has gotten used to Leeds being an attacking force this season, scoring at least three goals in five of their last 14 matches in all competitions.

Nevertheless, the German would have taken the positives from how his side have battled their way to victories over Leicester City and Plymouth Argyle.

The 1-0 success at leaders Leicester speaks for itself, that triumph also ending a run of four games without a clean sheet, and Leeds had control of their game with Plymouth before the deficit was halved in the 84th minute.

All things considered, Farke knows that points on the board matter at this stage, Leeds attempting to close down an eight-point gap to the runaway front two.

Despite their recent results, Leeds have not always impressed on their travels, already losing three of their eight games away from Elland Road.

Meanwhile, Rotherham have an interim team of Wayne Carlisle, Scott Brown and Dan Green after the decision was made to sack Taylor after the last game.

That was a 5-0 defeat at the hands of Watford, just four days after the Millers had earned an impressive 2-2 draw at home to second-placed Ipswich.

Rather than give Taylor more time, a return of 11 points from 15 games in 2023-24 - five of those points coming in their most recent five outings - was deemed enough to opt for a change in direction.

Rotherham would have expected a permanent appointment at this stage with the international break having taken place, but it appears that nothing is imminent, leaving one of the minnows of the division heading into the unknown ahead of facing one of the league's giants.

Rotherham United Championship form:

D

W

L

D

D

L

Leeds United Championship form:

W

W

L

W

W

W

Advert - content below:

Team News

A wide array of changes are expected to be made to the Rotherham XI, with Cafu in line to replace the injured Sam Clucas in midfield.

Having had two more weeks to improve his fitness, Daniel Ayala could feature in the back three, while Georgie Kelly will expect a recall in attack.

Dexter Lembikisa will need to be assessed having played the full 90 minutes of Jamaica's 3-2 victory over Canada on Tuesday night.

Junior Firpo is in line to replace the injured Sam Byram at left-back in what may prove to be the only alteration made by Farke.

Ethan Ampadu represented Wales as recently as Tuesday and will need to be assessed, the alternative being recalling Luke Ayling and moving Archie Gray into midfield.

Rotherham United possible starting lineup:

Johansson; Lembikisa, Peltier, Morrison, Ayala, Revan; Rathbone, Tiehi, Cafu; Kelly, Nombe

Leeds United possible starting lineup:

Meslier; Gray, Rodon, Cooper, Firpo; Ampadu, Kamara; James, Piroe, Summerville; Rutter

We say: Rotherham United 1-4 Leeds United

With this being a derby and one of their toughest fixtures on the calendar, Rotherham may play with a sense of freedom. Nevertheless, we expect Leeds to continue their recent resurgence, producing a ruthless performance to keep Leicester and Ipswich looking over their shoulder.

Previews by email