Rotherham vs Bristol City prediction: ENGLAND: Championship betting tips on match 2023-10-03 19:00.
Rotherham have just five points to their name nine games into the season (W1, D2, L6) with only two sides in the Championship conceding more than their 19 goals ahead of the round. Added to a goal tally of just eight, the Millers appear to be in a world of trouble with only Sheffield Wednesday’s winless nine-game start keeping Rotherham off the foot of the table.
A 2-0 defeat at Cardiff last Saturday means that Matt Taylor’s side have now lost three of their last four without finding the back of the net, but with Taylor serving a one-match touchline ban in South Wales on Saturday, that defeat perhaps wasn’t too much of a surprise. Fans of the Millers will be glad to see him back on the touchline here, and also that this game against Bristol City comes on home soil, where only high-flying Leicester have beaten Rotherham in the league this season (W1, D2).
The Robins have also lost their most recent two, including their last away day at Leicester, but before that had showcased their travelling ability. Nigel Pearson’s side have already taken maximum points at both Millwall and Swansea this term, picking up seven of their 12-point tally so far away from home, and could be on track to better last season’s 25 points away from Ashton Gate.
They’ll fancy their chances of adding to that tally at the AESSEAL New York Stadium, having lost only two of their previous nine in all competitions against the Millers (W4, D3). Pearson guided the Robins to a 3-1 win in South Yorkshire last December, putting an end to a then-five game winless run in emphatic fashion. And after throwing away a two-goal lead against Stoke at the weekend (L 3-2), Bristol City will be desperate to make amends and record their first back-to-back victories at Rotherham since the 1990s.
Players to watch: Rotherham midfielder Cafú is expected to make his return from injury here, and with two home assists already this term he’s one of the Millers’ main creative forces. Bristol City’s Sam Bell is more of a finisher than a creator with four goals this season, including one in their most recent away win at Swansea.
Hot stat: Rotherham boss Matt Taylor has faced Bristol City six times during his career, three as a player and three so far as a manager, winning only once (D1, L4).