Championship: Birmingham v Rotherham
By Calum Rainey
Promotion chasing Birmingham City prepare to host division strugglers Rotherham United at St Andrews.
The game is Birmingham’s first since their recent takeover by Chinese firm Trillion Trophy Asia. They will be looking to overwhelm a Rotherham side that are yet to record a point on the road so far this season, equalling a 95-year-old club record.
Alan Stubbs’ men have won just once in the last 11 meetings between the two sides, that being a 2-0 victory at St Andrews last season.
However, The Millers, who have lost their last five games, will have to address their defensive frailties if they are to repeat last seasons’ triumph. They have picked the ball out of their own goal an enormous 28 times already this season after just 12 games.
Gary Rowett’s side on the other hand sit in a healthy 6th place in the table with their promotion hopes still very much alive.
Despite suffering defeat to Nottingham Forest last time out, The Blues enjoyed a seven game unbeaten run prior to this, crushing table toppers Norwich City 3-0 along the way.
Gary Rowett isn’t expecting Rotherham to lie down and accept defeat, telling bcfc.com: “We are going to have to be at our best, work incredibly hard and really well to win any Championship game, let alone this one.”
Birmingham are sweating over the fitness of Ryan Shotton as the defender hopes to beat the clock to return from an injury to his quad but he remains a doubt. Robert Tesche and Paul Caddis complete the injury list for the side.
Rotherham defender, Kirk Broadfoot who is out with a foot injury is joined by Tom Adeyemi on the sidelines, however Dominic Ball is likely to shake off a knock.