Rotherham vs Birmingham prediction: ENGLAND: Championship betting tips on match 2022-08-26 14:00.
Given this was Rotherham’s seventh consecutive campaign lining up in a different league after a medley of promotions and relegations, few questioned many bookies' decision to label them as pre-season favourites to face the drop once again. Fast forward four league matches and the Millers are proving their doubters wrong by remaining undefeated thus far (W1, D3), and may even be slightly disappointed to just have the sole win considering they opened the scoring in two of those draws.
A midweek exit from the EFL Cup has soured that impressive start somewhat, but the Rotherham faithful may still be on a high following a 4-0 thumping of Reading in their last Championship home match. That result means Rotherham have lost just three of their last 21 home league matches (W14, D4), with a stringent defence conceding more than once on only two occasions in that time.
Opponents Birmingham have now taken over the tag of favourites for relegation, after a tumultuous off-season with minimal transfer activity, a change in manager, and an ongoing takeover saga have all played their part in Birmingham’s on-field plight. This was front and centre in their 1-0 loss against Wigan last time out, where they failed to capitalise despite having a man advantage for over 80 minutes.
The situation continues to look critical when isolating Birmingham’s form on the road, as the Blues have been victorious in only one of their last 18 away matches (D7, L10). Birmingham boss John Eustace will be hoping a trip to Rotherham can stem the blues his side are feeling though, with Birmingham losing only once in the last 17 league H2H clashes (W9, D7).
Players to watch: Rotherham’s Chiedozie Ogbene has seen all four of his goals this season arrive before half-time, while Scott Hogan will be tasked with getting his side off to a good start, having netted Birmingham’s opener in 15 of his 22 goalscoring appearances for the club.
Hot stat: Rotherham have scored ten of their last 11 goals before half-time.