Rotherham vs Sheffield Utd prediction: ENGLAND: Championship betting tips on match 2023-02-03 12:30.
Rotherham United held promotion-chasing Watford to a creditable 1-1 draw last time out in the Championship and they’ve been busy strengthening their squad since, loaning in West Ham midfielder Conor Coventry and signing Norwich City striker Jordan Hugill. Both are tasked with helping keep their new employers, currently five points ahead of the relegation zone, in the second tier.
Doing so may depend on them ensuring the Millers continue a recent upturn in home form (W1, D1) as they prepare to host near-neighbours Sheffield United for a much-anticipated Yorkshire derby. Rotherham’s 1-0 win in November’s reverse fixture at Bramall Lane was their first in four H2Hs anywhere (D1, L2) but they’ve fared better here recently, losing just one of the last five meetings (W1, D3).
Sheffield United might be relieved to be back in league action after they needed a late equaliser to draw a dramatic FA Cup game 3-3 against fifth-tier Wrexham on Sunday. Although they trail leaders Burnley by five points, they’re also 12 points ahead of the third-placed side, so look strong candidates for automatic promotion from the Championship, where they’re unbeaten since that defeat to Rotherham (W7, D1).
The Blades are also unbeaten in six league away fixtures (W5, D1), although they conceded exactly once in each of the last three of those games, which might give manager Paul Heckingbottom more cause for concern. As injury problems mount, he’s already spent time this month complaining about training ground pitch problems and the frustrations of having a transfer embargo placed on the club, so his players will aim for a win here which may lift the manager’s mood.
Players to watch: Rotherham boss Matt Taylor might be tempted to start Hugill as four of his last six goals were match openers, plus the Middlesbrough-born forward should feel at home in a Yorkshire derby. In contrast, John Egan (SHU) scored twice in January, on both occasions netting game-saving equalisers deep into injury time away from home.
Hot streak: Each of Rotherham’s last eight league games produced goals in both halves (W1, D3, L4).