Rotherham v Cardiff. Team news & preview

Last updated : 09 February 2021 By Michael Morris

Alex Smithies is not in the squad for tonight's game at Rotherham following his illness on the weekend. Dillon Phillips starts the game with George Ratcliffe on the bench. Also named amongst the subs is Ciaron Brown, back at the club after ending his loan at Livingston.

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On Rotherham

“It will be a really tough game” said Mick McCarthy. They’ve had two 3-0 wins against Middlesbrough and Derby, which is no mean feat, and then beat Preston on the weekend as well.

“We know what to expect going up there. I fully expect it to be a really hard one, but we’ll be ready for it.

“That’s three wins on the bounce for them, so they’ve got momentum," he continued. "We’re going up to their place, and it’s always a tough game at Rotherham.

"But we’re unbeaten in three games too, and just won our first game in a long time, so I’m sure we can go up there with a bit of momentum as well.” 

Match facts

  • This is the first league meeting between Rotherham and Cardiff since February 2017, with the Bluebirds winning 5-0 under Neil Warnock at the Cardiff City Stadium.
  • Cardiff City’s last away league game against Rotherham was back in 2016/17, a 2-1 win. They have never won back-to-back away games against the Millers.
  • Since the turn of the year, no Championship side has won more points than Rotherham United (13).
  • Cardiff are looking to win consecutive away league games without conceding for the first time since February 2020.
  • The last time Cardiff boss Mick McCarthy faced Rotherham was in the 2016/17 season with Ipswich – the Tractor Boys were the only Championship side who didn’t register a win over the Millers that season (D1 L1).

Match Officials:

Referee: GEOFF ELTRINGHAM
Assistants: George Byrne and Shaun Hudson
Fourth Official : Leigh Doughty