Preview: Rotherham United v Brentford

Team News

The Millers will be without Ryan Hall,  Fraizer Richardson and Paul Green (both foot), they will return to training next week. Loan signing Paul Taylor could also miss the clash at the New York Stadium with a virus. Mark Bradley remains the only long term absentee (Knee), while Febian Brandy is now ready for selection. Summer signing Scott Hogan has recovered from an ankle-injury and could be handed his first start for Brentford at the weekend, the 22-year old was in fantastic form for Rochdale last season, scoring 17 goals in their League 2 promotion campaign. The Bees however will be without midfielder Adam Forshaw who signed for Wigan Athletic earlier in the week for a fee which is still being disputed by both clubs. They will also be missing defender Tony Craig who was sent off in their 1-1 draw with Birmingham City last weekend.

Memorable meetings 

Rotherham United 2-1 Brentford 28/4/01

For Rotherham United fans, only one game will live long in the memory. It was on the 28th of April 2001. The Millers had defied the odds all season long and were second in the table and on course for back-to-back promotions. With their closest rivals to second place Reading trailing 2-0 at Colchester, the Millers new a late goal against the Bees would be enough to secure automatic promotion to the Championship. With time running out, Alan Lee picked up the ball outside the box and hit a shot on the turn which nestled into the bottom corner to spark jubilant scenes at Millmoor. The 2-1 win was enough to secure promotion.

Rotherham United 1-2 Brentford 5/4/08 

They didn’t know it at the time, but this game was to be the last meeting between the two clubs at Millmoor. Both teams had endured tough seasons after their respective relegations from League One. The Millers were in a play-off place before a ten point deduction for going into administration saw them plummet to mid-table alongside the Bees. A late Alan Connell strike, virtually the last kick of the game; gave the Bees victory after Mark Hudson thought he’d rescued a point for the hosts with a goal on 83 minutes.

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Key Players:

Joe Skarz (Rotherham United)

Last season Moses Odubajo caused Rotherham United all kinds of problems down their left hand side scoring two goals and making one. Considering Odubajo’s recent remarks that the majority of the Millers’ squad is “average” he should be in for an easy afternoon, right? Wrong. Skarz is a consistandly solid defender and isn’t afraid to put his head where it hurts. Skarz will have to be on top of his game to keep the lively one million pound winger quiet. If he does so it could be pivotal for the Millers who are looking for their third win in five games.

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Alex Pritchard (Brentford)

The Spurs’ loanee is some player. Last season he terrorised the Millers with Swindon Town and helped them earn a 4-0 win at the New York Stadium. The eye catching moment being a sublime free-kick from 25-yards which gave Scott Shearer in the Rotherham goal no chance. His ability to get on the ball and dictate a game could be vital for the Bees who are looking to unlock a defence that has only conceded three times in the league all season.

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