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Writer's pictureCameron Calvert

South Yorkshire Preview: Relegation Battle Between Rotherham and Rams


Michael Smith celebrates his goal against Blackburn.

Rotherham United will host a huge six-pointer at the bottom of the Championship when they face Derby County on Saturday.

The Millers fell to a late defeat at Ewood Park in midweek, losing 2-1 despite taking the lead through Michael Smith.

Derby County picked up a much needed three points on Wednesday night, beating Swansea City 2-0 thanks to goals from Colin Kazim-Richards and Kamil Jozwiak.

Rotherham boss Paul Warne could recall full-back Wes Harding this weekend with Ben Wiles moving into a central midfield role.

Freddie Ladapo could return to partner the in-form Michael Smith up front.

Rotherham have lost one of their last 11 league games at home to Derby (W4 D6), losing 1-3 in February 2005 and are looking to win consecutive Championship home games for the first time since September 2018.


Barry Bannan put in a shift against Forest to no avail.

A team looking to catch Rotherham and Derby, Sheffield Wednesday, are desperately searching for their first win under Tony Pulis as they face Coventry City at Hillsborough in the Championship.

The Owls lost 2-0 to relegation rivals, Nottingham Forest, on Tuesday, with Yuri Ribeiro and Lewis Grabban on the scoresheet for the hosts, whilst Coventry drew 0-0 with Huddersfield Town.

Callum Paterson and Matt Penney could both be recalled to the starting XI as Tony Pulis looks to rotate his squad this weekend.

Massimo Luongo is struggling with fitness issues and is not expected back until Sheffield Wednesday play Blackburn.

Sheffield Wednesday and Coventry will meet in a league fixture for the first time in over 10 years, when the sides drew 1-1 at the Ricoh Arena in March 2010 in the Championship.

Mark Robins will become the 291st different manager to come up against Sheffield Wednesday boss Tony Pulis in an English league fixture. However, the Welshman has not beaten any of the five bosses this season he has come up against for the very first time (D3 L2).


David McGoldrick (left) celebrates grabbing a second for the Blades.

From the bottom of the Championship to the bottom of the Premier League, Sheffield United will face Brighton and Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium on Sunday.

Previously, the Blades lost 3-2 at Bramall Lane to Manchester United on Thursday, with David McGoldrick grabbing a fortunate brace, whilst the Seagulls drew 0-0 with Fulham.

Oli McBurnie missed the 3-2 defeat to Manchester United with a shoulder problem and Chris Wilder will hope to have him available here.

David McGoldrick ran his socks off on Thursday night and deserves another start if he is fit enough.

Sander Berge is set for a long spell out after suffering a hamstring injury early on against United.

Max Lowe could earn a recall if the Blades need fresh legs here, with John Lundstram an option in midfield.

Phil Jagielka is unlikely to feature here after a torrid evening against the Red Devils on Thursday.

The 38-year-old was subbed on, given the run-around, booked and then subbed off in the space of about 50 minutes.

Sheffield United are unbeaten in their last five away league games against Brighton (W3 D2), since a 0-2 loss in the second tier in May 1987.

The Blades have won just three of their 20 Premier League games played on Sundays (15%) – of teams to have played at least 20 games on that day, only QPR have a lower win rate than Sheffield United (5/38 – 13.2%).

Of the ever-present Premier League sides in 2020, Brighton have won the fewest home points this calendar year (ten), while Sheffield United have won the fewest on the road (six).


Michal Helik in action for Barnsley.

Back in the Championship, Barnsley travel to South Wales to face Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday.

As mentioned, the Swans lost 2-0 to Derby County in midweek, whilst the Tykes came from behind to beat Preston North End 2-1 with goals from Alex Mowatt and Victor Adeboyejo.

Valerien Ismael could hand a start to young forward Victor Adeboyejo after he scored from the bench on Tuesday night.

Centre-back Aapo Halme has suffered a fractured toe and will miss the next four weeks, so Michal Helik will start until then.

Barnsley have lost seven of their last nine league visits to Swansea (D2) since a 3-0 victory in August 1974.

The Tykes have won each of their last three league games, last winning four in a row in the Championship in February 2013.

No side has won more points from losing positions in the Championship this season than Barnsley (ten, level with Cardiff).


Reece James is a man in-form for Doncaster.

In League One, Doncaster Rovers will take on Burton Albion at the Pirelli Stadium on Saturday.

Rovers won 2-1 last time out, with Reece James grabbing a brace whilst Burton lost 2-1 to Ipswich Town.

It could be a case of same again for Donny manager Darren Moore, following their midweek win over Swindon Town.

Four of the five previous Football League matches between Burton Albion and Doncaster Rovers have been drawn, with Burton winning the other 1-0 in August 2018.

Donny have scored in each of their last five away league games, their longest run on the road since February 2018 (seven games).

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