Rotherham match preview

Last updated : 09 January 2004 By Michael Morris
Cardiff kick off at 3:00pm tomorrow (a novelty in itself) hoping to end a run of 5 successive defeats. 4 leagues reverses and an exit from the FA Cup made Christmas and the new year a very difficult time for City supporters.

Now is the time to start to fight back. Rotherham come to Ninian Park as a form team. They have only lost one in the last 10 and have won their last three away league games at Wigan, Bradford and Wimbledon.

The Millers have an FA Cup replay next week against Northampton, the winners of that game entertain Manchester Utd, let's hope they have their minds on the Cup and we can capitalise.

There is of course a strong Rotherham / Cardiff link. Millers boss Ronnie Moorie was a Cardiff City player and there was words between the clubs at the start of the season. Cardiff went to Millmoor on the opening day showing interest in their top striker Alan Lee. After the 0 - 0 draw Lee signed for Cardiff. We are now strongly linked with signing Andy Monkhouse on loan from Rotherham.

There has been a reversal of fortunes for both teams. On the 8th of November City were 1 point off the play offs. Rotherham were 1 point above the drop zone. 9 weeks later Rotherham ham the chance to go above us if they win and put us into the bottom half of the table.

Cardiff have not beaten Rotherham in the last 7 meetings between the sides.

Bloody hell after re-reading that above it looks like we have no chance.

Cardiff look set to give a debut to new signing Paul Parry. The 23 year old will fill in the gap on the left side of midfield. With Lennie saying that he does not plan on bringing in James Collins Parry in the team could be the only change.

City possible
Margetson, Weston, Prior, Gabbidon, Vidmar, Langley, Boland, Kavanagh, Parry, Earnshaw, Thorne.

Subs from Alexander, Barker, Croft, Collins, Whalley, Bonner, Lee, Campbell.

Rotherham striker Butler is still struggling with a hamstring injury and defender Martin McIntosh has been laid low all week with flu. Darren Byfield is also a doubt. Paul Mullin and Julien Baudet could return.

Kick off as mentioned earlier is at 3:00pm.