By Tom Skillcorn
Birmingham City present Rotherham with their next attempt to break out of their poor form – after only managing two points out of their last six games in the Championship.
The Millers will be looking to take advantage of Birmingham’s failure to earn three points at their home stadium this season, after only winning one game this season so far, a shock 2-1 victory over current league leaders Leeds United at Elland Road.
The rest of Birmingham’s points come from a total of eight draws. Their midweek 1-1 draw against Brentford leaves Gary Monk’s side still in search of their second victory of the season.
Maikel Keiftenbeld is available for selection after his red card against The Bees on Tuesday night was revoked, a positive note for The Blues, as he holds a key role in their midfield.
Monk is to serve a touchline ban for the match, after his reaction to the straight red card for Keiftenbeld, after he was adjudged to have pushed Brentford’s top goal scorer Neal Maupay in the face.
Rotherham’s Kyle Vassell also returns for selection, however skipper Richard Wood remains unavailable. The 33-year-old came off injured against their 2-2 clash with Stoke City.
Miller’s manager Paul Warne spoke about the injury situation, stating: “Woody is still sore, but broke down in the warm-up which was a blow. It will take the international break to come good again for him.”
It was a good performance for The Millers against Stoke, despite blowing their 2-0 lead. They also put in an impressive shift against Bristol City, hitting the post twice after a number of attempts on goal.
With both teams on 11 points for the season, it will be an important battle for the two clubs in order to climb the table and avoid the relegation zone.
Expected Line-up