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

Two teams at opposing ends of the League One table will meet on Saturday as 19th-placed Fleetwood Town welcome the current league leaders Rotherham United.

The hosts will be hoping to continue on from their recent victory, while the visitors will want to respond to being knocked out of the FA Cup.

Match preview

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Fleetwood Town have had a tough first half of the season, which is why they find themselves in 19th place at the moment, winning just six games so far.

There is only two points keeping them out of the relegation zone, which is something that the club will be aware of, and will be hoping to push away from, starting this weekend.

The Cod Army might have had their struggles, but recent form is much brighter for them, having won three of their previous six outings, with one draw in that period as well.

Alex Cairns has also been able to keep three clean sheets across those matches, boosting Fleetwood's defensive confidence, which they will need against the second-highest scoring team of the league in Rotherham.

Their most recent outing saw the Cod Army pick up three points in what was a crucial relegation battle when they defeated Doncaster Rovers 1-0, with a goal from Ellis Harrison.

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On the other hand, Rotherham United were actually defeated at the weekend in the FA Cup, crashing out in the third round via a penalty shootout after things ended 1-1 against Queen's Park Rangers.

Despite that, they have won four of their last five league fixtures, losing only one in that period, and that will no doubt have created plenty of confidence in the group.

The Millers are currently top of the table after their first 24 games, but that is a position that they have by goal difference only, with Sunderland placing real pressure on them.

Paul Warne will be keen for his squad to continue performing consistently in order to keep their place, with a need for goals and clean sheets also being clear.

However, Rotherham conceded four the last time they faced the Cod Army, in what was one of their four losses in the league this season, with Fleetwood winning 4-2 on the day.

Team News

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Harrison will be hoping to keep leading the line for Fleetwood Town after scoring the winning goal last weekend, with the striker expected to be the sole forward once again.

Meanwhile, at the other end of the field, Cairns should start in goal, with his impressive form helping to bring a new level of confidence to the Cod Army.

Warne made four changes during the recent FA Cup game, opting to change things up in order to rest some and provide minutes to others, which could take place again this weekend.

Freddie Ladapo recently handed in a transfer request to leave the club, but he still remains a Rotherham player, although he was dropped to the bench last Saturday, raising question marks over his future.

Fleetwood Town possible starting lineup:
Cairns; Andrew, Johnson, Clarke, Johnston; Lane, Camps, Batty, Biggins, Hayes; Harrison

Rotherham United possible starting lineup:
Johansson; Edmonds-Green, Wood, Ihiekwe; Barlaser, Ogbene, Ferguson, Rathbone, Harding; Smith, Grigg

We say: Fleetwood Town 1-2 Rotherham United

Fleetwood Town were able to pick up a victory when the two teams met earlier this season, but since then their form has dropped dramatically over the campaign.

Recent performances have improved for the club, but Rotherham United are top of the league, and that added quality should be enough to see them secure another crucial three points towards their potential promotion hopes.

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