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

Aiming to avoid a fifth consecutive defeat, Gillingham visit the Aesseal New York Stadium to face off against Rotherham United on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the hosts go in search of a third straight win across all competitions to preserve their lead at the top of the standings.

Match preview

Rotherham progressed into the next round of the FA Cup qualifiers with a 1-0 victory over National League side Stockport on Friday.

Michael Smith opened the scoring in the 43rd minute and that was enough to get the job done for Paul Warne's men.

Prior to that, the Millers were held to a goalless draw in their last league outing versus Oxford United two Saturdays ago, which saw their lead at the top of the League One table reduced to just a point.

Next up for them is a clash versus an opposing side who have lost four of the last five meetings between the sides, while also failing to score in each of the last two.

Having not tasted defeat since September, Tuesday's hosts head into the contest with the wind in their sails and will be confident of emerging victorious.

Gillingham were beaten for a third league game in a row following a 1-0 defeat to Portsmouth at the Priestfield Stadium on November 27.

The contest was level heading into its final knockings before Michael Jacobs popped up with a 93rd-minute winner to sink Steve Evans's men.

Currently lying in the relegation zone after the first 20 rounds of matches, the Gills are in need of an upturn in form to avoid being left too far behind.

Tuesday's visitors, who have failed to find the back of the net in each of their last four matches, have it all to do against the league's meanest defence.

Team News

Michael Smith was on target in the last edition of this fixture and heads into Tuesday's game having scored in each of his last two appearances.

Smith, who has directly contributed to more goals than any other player in the division, is expected to be joined in attack by Freddie Ladapo.

In an attempt to fix his side's struggles in front of goal, Steve Evans might contemplate making some changes in attack with the likes of John Akinde dropping to the bench.

Vadaine Oliver has missed his side's last four games with a muscle injury, but the 30-year-old could make his return to action in this one.

Rotherham United possible starting lineup:
Vickers; Ihiekwe, Wood, Edmonds-Green; Ogbene, Wiles, Barlaser, Miller, Rathbone; Smith, Ladapo

Gillingham possible starting lineup:
Cumming; Jackson, Tucker, Ehmer, McKenzie; O'Keefe, Adshead, Lee; Lloyd-McGoldrick, Carayol, Sithole

We say: Rotherham United 2-0 Gillingham

The home side have been a level above their visitors this term and are favourites to claim all three points. We expect them to get the job done with relative ease come the final whistle.

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