Preview: West Bromwich Albion vs. Rotherham United - prediction, team news, lineups

Although Rotherham have lost four of their most recent six outings, the two clubs square off at The Hawthorns level on points in the standings.

Match preview

Having recorded just two wins before the start of November, it was felt that any chances of a West Brom promotion bid were already over, but the Baggies have shown under Carlos Corberan that the previous perception may not have been accurate.

After two victories in 17, West Brom have since posted four triumphs in succession, the latest coming on Monday night as they overcame a deficit to beat Sunderland by a 2-1 scoreline at the Stadium of Light.

While the West Midlands outfit have only netted six times during that quartet of fixtures, Corberan will be delighted that his squad have already proven their character to get over the line in hotly-contested matches.

Still just two points above the relegation zone, there is no room for complacency, but West Brom will feel that making up the eight-point gap to the playoffs is comfortably within their range, particularly when they still possess a game in hand.

Monday's win came courtesy of Daryl Dike's impact from the substitutes' bench, the injury-stricken USA international providing a goal and an assist to show supporters what they have been missing during the first half of the season.

At a time when West Brom are very much on the up, Rotherham have been increasingly inconsistent since Matt Taylor replaced Paul Warne in the dugout.

The Millers have lost five of their last eight outings in the second tier, the most recent defeat coming at home to Bristol City by a 3-1 scoreline.

That fixture would have been viewed as an ideal way to resume competitive action, but Rotherham instead lost at the New York Stadium for the third match in succession.

While their away record is one of the worst in the division, Rotherham collected four points versus Sheffield United and Luton Town on their travels before the World Cup break.

West Bromwich Albion Championship form:

L

L

W

W

W

W

Rotherham United Championship form:

L

L

L

W

D

L

Team News

The win at the Stadium of Light came after Corberan had made four changes before West Brom's first goal, and Tom Rogic should be rewarded for his impact with a start in this game.

Taylor Gardner-Hickman and Martin Kelly will also be considered, but Dike will remain among the replacements as Corberan continues to manage his minutes.

Kyle Bartley and Semi Ajayi are both battling to return to the squad after injuries picked up in the lead-up to the Sunderland game.

Taylor will also consider making alterations to his Rotherham XI with Jamie McCart potentially being brought in for his first start of the season in the back three.

Conor Washington and Georgie Kelly are each pushing for an opportunity in the final third, which would allow Ben Wiles to drop back into a deeper position.

West Bromwich Albion possible starting lineup:

Palmer; Furlong, O'Shea, Pieters, Townsend; Rogic, Yokoslu; Wallace, Swift, Phillips; Thomas-Asante

Rotherham United possible starting lineup:

Johansson; Peltier, McCart, Harding; Norton-Cuffy, Wiles, Barlaser, Rathbone, Bramall; Washington, Ogbene

We say: West Bromwich Albion 2-0 Rotherham United

Although Rotherham are arguably still punching above their weight this campaign, this game comes at the wrong time for the Millers. Their hosts are now collecting points with efficiency, something that we expect to continue at the weekend.

Previews by email