Stoke vs Rotherham prediction: ENGLAND: Championship betting tips on match 2022-10-17 19:00.
It was a Saturday to remember for Stoke City boss Alex Neil, who won 2-0 on his first return to Deepdale since his four-year reign as Preston boss ended, as he secured back-to-back victories as Stoke manager for the very first time. After being dismissed during the behind closed doors campaign, Neil said that he’s happy to have now “closed the book” following a nice moment with the fans.
Attention swiftly turns to Stoke’s next assignment, a home encounter with Rotherham United, which if they win will secure successive home victories for the first time since April. That may be easier said than done with Stoke winless in ten of their last 12 meetings with the Millers (D5, L5), and that’s not to mention the fact that Stoke have already lost at home to promoted opponents Sunderland this term.
Stoke went on to poach Sunderland’s manager after that game, but Rotherham should be safe from a similar fate as their former beloved boss Paul Warne has already been tempted away from the club. New manager Matt Taylor recorded his first win at the third time of asking at the weekend, a 2-1 win over Huddersfield, which Taylor hailed as “the most consistent performance” since he came in.
It has been consistency that the Millers have so desperately craved, as recording an away league win sooner rather than later will likely be crucial in their survival bid (D3, L2). The main focus area to help that aim will be improving the effectiveness of Rotherham’s frontline, as they have scored just once across their five away league games, and none in over five hours of away play!
Players to watch: Stoke’s William Smallbone scored his first goal in senior football at Preston, and highlighted how he wants to “kick on and grab a few more” this season. Rotherham boss Taylor hailed “cult hero” Georgie Kelly after he scored his second goal across his last four substitute appearances to secure victory last time out.
Hot stat: Rotherham have failed to score in eight of their last 11 away league games.