Rotherham vs Preston Prediction – Preston recoup for a draw to set up exciting second leg against Rotherham

When it comes to playoff matches, the tension and the edginess can often turn games into attritional affairs. With so much on the line, especially in the first leg, the importance is very much on keeping things tight and making sure not to lose. This is evident in the first leg of this playoff tie, as both teams escaped with a one all draw. What was unusual about the game was Joe Garner’s magnificent second half strike, which had an almost Bergkamp-esque quality to it. With so much at stake, moments of glimmering genius such as this can often be overlooked in favour of a dull but workable score draw. Now, however, both teams will need to win. With the away goals rule counting for nothing, the importance of finding a winner on the night is increasingly obvious. As such, the tactical battle could prove to be the most important aspect of the game. Whilst it is impossible to sanction for moments such as Preston’s goal, the general idea behind Rotherham’s 4-3-3 should be more workable in front of a home crowd and their wide players will look to play more on the front foot. In response, Preston’s two banks of four may look to sit deeper and they may be tempted to withdraw a striker into a deeper role to provide better link up play.

Form

With two losses in their last five, Preston are hardly in form. Indeed, their fortunes were looking a great deal poorer before their goal in the first leg. However, with a final to play for, they will be hoping to raise their game to the right levels come the second leg. In the second half of their match against Rotherham, however, there were signs of improvement. They increasingly played their way into the game. While there was still little to separate the teams on the night, the signs of encouragement will be there for the manager and he may tweak his team accordingly.

With an extra draw in the previous five games, Rotherham will be considered the slightly more in form team. They certainly started the first leg as such and their early goal should have been enough to put the game to bed. However, that they let Preston back into the game will be a concern. In front of the home crowd, the need will be to attack and the manager will want to replicate the previous game’s first half while guarding against its second.

Team News

Following the manager’s recent comments regarding a selction headache before the first leg, Steve Clarke might be tempted to change things around and try and add enough to separate the two teams in the second leg. Wes Thomas could be looking at a starting place and will certainly be one of the first choices from the bench should he miss out. Having rested players in the weeks leading up to the play off matches, Clarke will be hoping that games in quick succession will not be an issue for his squad as he tries to keep legs fresh and minds clear for the challenge ahead.

The full fitness of Scott Wiseman is in doubt, though the manager will have been happy to see his squad make it through the home leg with everyone still intact. As Wiseman continues to build match fitness, an introduction from the bench could be necessary as the full ninety minutes might be beyond him at this stage in time. Conversely, Tom Clarke should start the match, with his recent fitness worries seemingly behind him.

Rotherham

P47 W24 D15 L08

LWDWD

Predicted Line-Up (4-3-3): Collin; Tavernier, Arnason, Morgan, Skarz; Adams, O’Connor, Smallwood, Pringlel; Thomas, Hitchcock

Preston

P47 W23 D17 L07

LWWLD

Predicted Line-Up (4-4-2): Rudd; Wright, King, Wiseman, Laird; Holmes, Welsh, Kilkenny, Gallagher; Beavon, Garner.

Prediction: Rotherham 2 – 1 Preston

Rotherham could prove too strong in front of a home crowd.