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

Brentford head into Tuesday's fixture with Rotherham United looking to strengthen their hold of third position in the Championship standings.

Meanwhile, the visitors are four points adrift of safety with two games in hand, meaning that avoiding defeat against the Bees could prove decisive in their bid to avoid relegation to the third tier.

Match preview

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With Watford having secured automatic promotion at the weekend, Thomas Frank and his squad will be disappointed that their only route to next season's Premier League is through the playoffs.

Nevertheless, there are reasons for the Bees to be positive after their excellent 1-0 win at Bournemouth, a result which was earned despite playing the final 40 minutes plus added-on time with 10 men.

The result prevented their opponents from extending their winning streak to eight games, something which may prove important if the two teams lock horns in the playoffs next month.

Brentford were also able to extend their own unbeaten run to nine games, as well as recording their fourth clean sheet in five fixtures.

Frank's side will need to improve in the final third if they want to earn promotion to the playoffs, but the Dane will be confident that his attacking players can find their form against lowly Rotherham.

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Although the Millers continue to have two games in hand on Derby County, they will need something special to overturn a four-point deficit over the next two weeks.

While Paul Warne will take the positives from only losing 1-0 at Barnsley, his team have now scored just one goal in 360 minutes of football.

In Blackburn Rovers, Luton Town and Cardiff City, their remaining three fixtures are against opponents who have nothing to play for.

However, with Derby facing Sheffield Wednesday on the final day of the season, Warne knows his team must heap the pressure on both clubs as soon as possible.

Despite their struggles this season, Rotherham have collected seven points from their most recent five games on the road.

Team News

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Frank is likely to hand a start to Brentford defender Charlie Goode with Pontus Jansson serving a one-match suspension.

Further alterations could also be made with Saman Ghoddos and Bryan Mbeumo both in contention for a recall to the starting lineup.

However, Rico Henry and Josh Dasilva remain on the sidelines as they each bid to return in time for the playoffs.

Jamal Blackburn is expected to replace Rotherham goalkeeper Viktor Johansson, who was injured during the early stages of the defeat at Barnsley.

George Hirst is an alternative to Freddie Ladapo, while Florian Jozefzoon may be handed a recall against his former club.

Brentford possible starting lineup:
Raya; Goode, Norgaard, Pinnock; Rasmussen, Jensen, Janelt, Mbeumo; Ghoddos; Toney, Forss

Rotherham United possible starting lineup:
Blackman; Ihiekwe, Wood, MacDonald; Lindsay, Wing, MacDonald, Giles; Jozefzoon, Smith; Hirst

We say: Brentford 3-1 Rotherham United

While Rotherham need to win at least one of their remaining four games, Warne may feel tempted to set up defensively on Tuesday. However, that could play into the hands of the Bees, who could relish the chance to play with extra freedom after an intense few months.