Stoke City make the trip to Rotherham United on Tuesday evening looking to end their four-match winless streak in the Championship.
Meanwhile, the Millers play host to their promotion-chasing opponents sitting in the relegation zone, albeit with two games in hand on their rivals.
Match preview
© Reuters
During the latter stages of 2020, Michael O'Neill would have been aware that Stoke would not continue to contend for a playoff spot unless they improved their efforts in the final third of the pitch.
With just three goals coming from their most recent six matches, O'Neill's concerns have materialised, and the Potters now sit four points adrift of the top six having played at least one more game than their rivals.
Hindered by FFP regulations and Tyrese Campbell's long-term knee injury, Rabbi Matondo, Jack Clarke and Rhys Norrington-Davies have all been brought in on loan until the end of the campaign.
While the trio will all add different options in wide areas, O'Neill is still relying on the likes of Steven Fletcher and Sam Vokes eventually contributing more in the penalty area.
Joint top-goalscorer Nick Powell added his sixth goal of the campaign in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Blackburn Rovers, ending a run of four games without finding the back of the net.
Opponents Rotherham have played just three times in the space of a month due to issues regarding positive coronavirus cases.
Although Paul Warne would have preferred to have kept to their initial schedule, the enforced break appears to have given his players a new lease of life.
After impressing during their 2-1 defeat at Everton in the FA Cup third round, the Millers were able to collect a 1-0 victory away at relegation rivals Derby County on Saturday.
Despite remaining in the bottom three, Warne will be optimistic that being forced into a situation to recharge their batteries could benefit them against clubs who have still been playing twice a week.
Rotherham United Championship form: LLWLLW
Rotherham United form (all competitions): LWLLLW
Stoke City Championship form: DWDDLD
Stoke City form (all competitions): LDDLLD
Team News
© Reuters
Barring any fitness issues, Warne could select the same side which performed so impressively at the weekend.
Freddie Ladapo may replace Matt Crooks in the final third if Warne opts for some fresh legs.
Stoke will be without James Chester after the Wales international was sent off at Ewood Park at the weekend.
Danny Batth is in line to return to the starting lineup in what could be one of a number of changes made by O'Neill.
Tommy Smith, Sam Clucas and Vokes may also be drafted into the first XI.
Rotherham United possible starting lineup:
Blackman; Olosunde, Ihiekwe, Wood, MacDonald, Harding; Lindsay, Barlaser, Wiles; Smith, Crooks
Stoke City possible starting lineup:
Bursik; Collins, Batth, Souttar; Smith, Clucas, Mikel, Thompson, Norrington-Davies; Powell, Vokes
We say: Rotherham United 1-1 Stoke City
Stoke's most recent additions should improve their efforts in the final third during the second half of the season. However, the trio of arrivals still need some bedding-in time, and we are backing the home side to claim a share of the spoils on Tuesday night.
