Blues travel to the New York Stadium on Good Friday in a must win clash if Blues are to consolidate their Championship status.

The away side head into the game on the back of a tough defeat at home to Derby; a last minute Tom Ince goal snatching what would have been a valiant point.

Prior to that, Blues suffered a 3-1 defeat away to promotion hopefuls Brighton, but were able to string together three successive draws against Ipswich, Newcastle and Cardiff. Rotherham come into the game on the back of a 10 game losing streak, which has ultimately seen the Millers relegated to League One. In 2017 alone they have picked up a concerning four points; a 2-1 win at home to Norwich and a 1-1 draw against Blackburn. A 97th minute winner from Nick Powell on Saturday condemned Rotherham to their 32nd defeat of the season.

Team News

Blues boss Gianfranco Zola has a fresh injury concern in the shape of Clayton Donaldson, who picked up a knee injury in training this week. The absence of Donaldson to injury has been a worrying trend for Blues this season and this fresh setback gives all the more cause for concern. Defender Josh Cogley has also sustained an ankle injury and is doubtful for the trip, whilst Morrison remains the only long-term absentee.

Former Blues midfielder Tom Adeyemi is hopeful to be fit in time for tomorrow’s clash having missed the last three games with a calf strain injury. Rotherham also hope to have Lee Frecklington back from a knee and calf issue.

Reverse Fixture

Blues hit four back in October against the Millers as the Trillion Trophy Asia era had dawned upon St Andrews a few days before. Goals from Michael Morrison, Jacques Maghoma, Lukas Jutkiewicz and David Cotterill provided Blues with a 4-2 win to extend the then unbeaten home run to 5 games.

Previous Fixtures

Rotherham 0-0 Blues

Blues were left frustrated at the New York Stadium as they were held to a goalless draw. Blues lacked any real tempo or penetration to their play, ultimately having to settle for a point. It was also the debut of Ryan Shotton, who debuted at right-back for the injured Paul Caddis.

Rotherham 0-1 Blues

A second half goal from Clayton Donaldson rewarded Blues with a deserved victory as the Rowett Revolution eased into momentum. Blues struck the post twice with efforts from Shinnie and Cotterill both rebounding off the woodwork. The victory lifted Blues out of the relegation zone and meant they had kept three clean sheets in their last four games.

Prediction 

I’m going to be optimistic and say 2-0 Blues. I felt the team warranted at least a point Saturday and a similar sort of performance should hopefully guarantee us three points.

It’s a game that definitely has banana skin potential though; Rotherham have nothing to play for, with a newly appointed manager and a team that are playing for their futures at the club. Despite that if Blues can address their chances to goals conversion and remain resolute at the back for 90 minutes, it could be a vital victory come the end of the season. We are by far the better side, so anything less is pretty much catastrophic.

Keep Right On!