Preston vs Rotherham Prediction

Coming into this match, it would be easy to categorise it as a case of attack versus defence. With a similar goal difference, this is down to Rotherham’s potent attack and Preston’s secure defence. Over the course of a season, only a point has been able to separate them coming into the final few matches and that extra point has secured Rotherham the privilege of playing the second leg at home. So Preston will be hoping to do enough in the first leg in order to make the trip easier and their better defence could be the key to keeping out any goals from the visitors. With both teams lining up in a similar formation, the deeper defensive line of Preston could be exposed with pace on the wings, while their wide players might look to get in behind the adventurous Rotherham full backs.

Form

Coming into the game, Preston might be able to edge their opponents in terms of recent form. Having won three of their last five, they have also managed to lose two, scoring fifteen in the process. This swashbuckling approach could encourage them at home, as their recent home record has been excellent and led to a huge number of their recent goals. Having struggled all season, this discovery of the ability to put the ball in the net will certainly be something which they will wish to put into practice against the better teams, though their opponents will likely be of a higher quality this weekend. A loss to Crewe on the final day was enough for their opponents to secure survival while they promotion spot was already safe.

Rotherham, conversely, will be regretting their inability to grind out enough wins in recent weeks as two extra points would have been enough to hand them an easier draw in the playoffs. Draws against Bradford and MK Dons have proved costly. They have, however, won their last match and a victory over Swindon could be enough to set them up with momentum enough to secure a place in the playoff final.

Team News

The return of Scott Wiseman will be a tremendous boost to Preston, having missed several weeks with a knee injury. Having returned over the weekend, he will be hoping to build up his match fitness in order to be as effective as possible in his full back slot. Defender Tom Clarke is also expected to return after a calf issue, but will also be in need of match fitness before one of Preston’s most important matches of the season.

Steve Evans will be relishing what he has described as a selection headache after beating Swindon. Wes Thomas played well during the match and might well have brought himself into contention for a striking berth. Despite being substituted at half time, this was apparently a precautionary measure designed to keep the player fit for the playoffs. Several of the team’s first choice players were also rested at the weekend, giving Evans a full choice for potential players at the weekend.

Preston

P46 W23 D16 L07

WLWWL

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

Rotherham

P46 W24 D14 L08

DLWDW

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

Prediction: Preston 1 - 1 Rotherham

Preston will have to tighten up their defence ahead of Rotherham’s visit, though home advantage might help them to score.