West Bromvs.Rotherham

The Baggies have stalled in recent weeks but still have their playoff fate in their own hands, whilst the Millers were recently sentenced to League One football next term following a painful season.

Match preview

Since back-to-back wins prior to the international pause, West Brom have returned to Championship action following the two-week break in steady fashion, drawing three-straight matches as their playoff charge begins to slow down slightly, with the Baggies sharing the points at Stoke City on Saturday afternoon.

Goals either side of the half-time interval from Celtic loanee Mikey Johnston and former West Ham United youngster Grady Diangana had the visitors two goals to the good at the bet365 Stadium, however Steven Schumacher's Potters were able to fight back, with Million Manhoef and leading marksman Andre Vidigal finding the net to snatch a point.

Despite the relative disappointment of three-straight stalemates since the international break, West Brom are still enjoying a nine-game streak without defeat in the Championship - the longest unbeaten run in the division after Leeds United lost at Coventry City on the weekend.

Heading into the final five matches of the second-tier term, Carlos Corberan's side currently occupy fifth place in the league table, six points ahead of seventh-placed Coventry, however the Sky Blues have played a game fewer, with Mark Robins's men looking very dangerous as Haji Wright and Ellis Simms hit their goalscoring strides.

All those of an Albion persuasion will be relishing back-to-back matches at The Hawthorns over the next week, with Wednesday's hosts collecting 43 points from 20 Championship matches at their Black Country base so far in 2023-24, losing just one of their last 11 at the venue across all competitions.

Ever when Leam Richardson arrived at the AESSEAL New York Stadium to take charge in the middle of December, there was already an understanding that Rotherham would be plying their trade in League One next season, and that assumption was made a certainty on Friday night as they lost 1-0 to Plymouth Argyle, confirming relegation.

In a match which summed up the previous 40 second-tier contests, there was a lack of quality - and at times desire - from those representing Rotherham - and the hosts were made to pay when Bali Mumba netted his third of the league term following a wonderful Morgan Whittaker pass.

As expected, Easter Monday's shock success over Neil Harris's Millwall only delayed the inevitable and having collected just 23 points from 41 Championship matches so far, Rotherham are guaranteed to be in 24th position in the second-tier standings by the end of play on May 4.

There is unlikely to be many players from this Millers squad who will move onto better gigs in the summer but goalkeeper Viktor Johansson certainly falls into that category, with the Sweden international once again being the standout performer for the club in a dire season.

Richardson's side have three more opportunities to record their maiden away victory of the Championship season before their attentions turn fully to the stresses of the third tier, however a collection of four points from 20 away matches to date does not suggest that the Millers are capable of winning at either West Brom, Swansea City or Bristol City.

West Bromwich Albion Championship form:

D

W

W

D

D

D

Rotherham United Championship form:

L

L

D

L

W

L

Team News

Featuring in his 250th game for West Brom on the weekend, Matt Phillips is making a slow return to full fitness following injury and could be involved from the start on Wednesday night.

Yann M'Vila is unlikely to earn a spot in the side after conceding a penalty at Stoke, meaning that Okay Yokuslu and Alex Mowatt will continue at the base of the Albion midfield.

Cedric Kipre returned to the starting XI on Saturday after missing the Baggies' Easter Monday clash due to a shoulder injury, and the Ivorian should partner Kyle Bartley at centre-back once again versus the Millers.

Following another loss on Friday night, Rotherham are set to shuffle their pack for the trip to The Hawthorns, with the likes of Cafu and Shane Ferguson pushing for starts.

Despite having just three Championship goals between them this season, Charlie Wyke and Sam Nombe have the ability to be a decent partnership at the focal point of the Millers' attack.

Key player Johansson will keep his place in between the sticks as his time at the club draws to a close, with Hakeem Odoffin, Cameron Humphreys and ex-Baggies defender Lee Peltier expected to form the back three.

West Bromwich Albion possible starting lineup:

Palmer; Furlong, Bartley, Kipre, Townsend; Mowatt, Yokuslu, Diangana, Wallace, Johnston; Thomas-Asante

Rotherham United possible starting lineup:

Johansson; Odoffin, Humphreys, Peltier; Revan, Rathbone, Cafu, Rinomhota, Clucas, Ferguson; Wyke, Nombe

We say: West Bromwich Albion 2-0 Rotherham United

After failing to keep a clean sheet in the last three matches, Wednesday's battle versus Rotherham presents West Brom with a near-perfect opportunity to get back to their defensive best.

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