Preview: Accrington Stanley vs. Rotherham United - prediction, team news, lineups

League leaders Rotherham United will travel to the Crown Ground on Boxing Day in order to face Accrington Stanley as they aim to continue their five-match winning streak.

The hosts were able pick up three points in their most recent outing and they currently sit in the top half of the table as the squad continues to push towards the playoffs.

Match preview

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Accrington Stanley secured a victory in their most recent performance against Bolton Wanderers with Tommy Leigh scoring the only goal of the game in the first half.

The club are currently nine points away from the playoffs, which is a gap they will be hoping to close during this festive period of games if they can build a run together.

John Coleman's team have lost 10 games throughout the campaign, and there is only one team in the top half of the table that have been beaten as many times as them.

Their inconsistent performances have stopped them from climbing further up, with a lack of goals also being an issue as they have scored fewer than every other club in the top 12.

Despite that, Accrington were able to defeat Rotherham when they met earlier this season in the EFL Cup, with goals from Dion Charles and Colby Bishop securing the 2-1 victory.

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The Millers have been dominant throughout this season as they look to earn promotion to the Championship, and they have only been beaten three times in the league.

Their most recent outing saw them defeat Cambridge United by a goal to nil as Dan Barlaser scored to keep his team top of the division.

There is only two points between them and Wigan Athletic right now and because the Latics have a game in hand, there is real pressure on Paul Warne's team to keep picking up results.

However, the Millers have not been beaten since September when they were defeated by Fleetwood Town and the confidence that is within the team is clear to see.

Their last six fixtures have led to them scoring 11 times, showcasing their attacking qualities, meanwhile defensively no team have conceded fewer than them this season.

Team News

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Club captain Seamus Conneely was unavailable for Accrington's last game due to injury, which could see him miss out again on Sunday.

However, Harry Pell should be back as an option as he only missed out against Bolton due to sickness, plus Matt Butcher was back in the squad for that game as well.

Wes Harding appeared on the bench in Rotherham's most recent match and after making his return to the squad, there is a good chance he will now be fit enough to return to the starting XI.

Mickel Miller was unavailable in that match though, due to a groin problem and that could lead to Will Grigg earning a spot this time around.

Accrington Stanley possible starting lineup:
Savin; Amankwah, Sykes, Nottingham, Rodgers; Malcolm, Leigh, Coyle, Hamilton, McConville; Bishop

Rotherham United possible starting lineup:
Johansson; Wood, Ihiekwe, Harding; Barlaser, Ogbene, Ferguson, Rathbone, Wiles; Grigg, Ladapo

We say: Accrington Stanley 1-2 Rotherham United

This promises to be a closely-fought match on Boxing Day for the fans between two of the strongest teams in the league, with both having a lot to fight for.

However, the lack of goals that Accrington Stanley have scored this season is something that should lead to Rotherham United taking the victory.

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