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

Meanwhile, Boro make the trip to the New York Stadium having already guaranteed a place in the top four of the standings, ensuring a home second leg in the playoffs.

Match preview

At the start of the season, Rotherham would have jumped at the chance to have their fate still in their own hands with two matches left, yet Matt Taylor will be disappointed that his team have not already guaranteed survival.

The Millers have conceded late goals to lose 2-1 to each of Bristol City and Cardiff City over the past week, meaning that there will be work to do regardless of the results over the weekend.

With 22nd-placed Reading hosting bottom-placed Wigan Athletic and 21st-placed Huddersfield Town travelling to Cardiff City, Taylor is aware that Rotherham can ill-afford a third successive defeat on Monday afternoon.

A win, combined with possessing a solid goal difference in comparison to their rivals, will be enough to secure their second-tier status, and eight victories from 22 home fixtures in the league tells you that they are capable of pulling off a shock against Boro.

Nevertheless, Rotherham have conceded twice in each of their last four matches, something which does not bode well ahead of facing the best attack in the division.

From Boro's perspective, their consistency and general performance level has dropped off of late, Michael Carrick's team losing three of their last six outings.

As many as 12 goals have been shipped during that period, their efforts in defence becoming an increasing concern ahead of an important stage of the season.

Although the North-East outfit will not necessarily mind who they face in the playoffs, Carrick will be eager to resolve some issues ahead of trying to earn a spot at Wembley Stadium.

On a plus note, Boro have scored 27 times during their last 10 fixtures, with Cameron Archer's four strikes in three games ensuring that opponents have more to worry about in the Boro attack than just Chuba Akpom.

Rotherham United Championship form:

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D

L

D

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L

Middlesbrough Championship form:

L

L

D

W

W

L

Team News

Taylor is likely to hand a rest to Rotherham midfielder Ollie Rathbone, who came through 70 minutes versus Cardiff after groin issues, with Tariqe Fosu-Henry or Domingos Quina potentially coming back into the team.

Ben Wiles is expected to remain among the replacements after a long-term absence, but Shane Ferguson may replace Cohen Bramall if he has fully recovered from illness.

While Taylor could revert to a back four, a defensive three appears more likely against a team of Boro's attacking prowess.

Carrick has suggested that he will not rush back many of the players who missed out against Luton due to injury, leaving the prospect of a similar team being named.

Tommy Smith, Dael Fry, Paddy McNair, Matt Clarke, Riley McGree, Aaron Ramsey and Marcus Forss were all notable absentees from the squad.

However, Hayden Hackney and Akpom could be recalled after being rested, with Alex Mowatt and Archer potentially dropping down to the substitutes' bench.

Rotherham United possible starting lineup:

Johannsson; Peltier, Wood, Humphreys; Harding, Lindsay, Coventry, Bramall; Fosu-Henry; Ogbene, Hugill

Middlesbrough possible starting lineup:

Steffen; Dijksteel, Howson, Lenihan, Giles; Barlaser, Hackney; Jones, Akpom, Bola; Crooks

We say: Rotherham United 1-2 Middlesbrough

On the back of two narrow defeats, Rotherham are under pressure to rise to the occasion on Monday, something which will not be easy against a team of Boro's quality. With the visitors able to play with more freedom, we feel that they will ultimately edge what will be a tense contest.

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