Blackburn v Rotherham: 4 things to look out for

Rotherham get the early chance to move out of the bottom three when they head to Blackburn on Friday night.

The Millers will be keen to register at least a point after they were beaten by Wolves last time out.

Here's four things to look out for in the game.

4-5-1, with a start for Luke Hyam

With Danny Ward injured, Leon Best suspended and boss Neil Redfearn not seeming to take too big a liking to Matt Derbyshire, the Millers are highly likely to set up with just one in attack at Ewood Park, with the likes of Joe Newell, Lee Frecklington and Grand Ward pushing on to support Jonson Clarke-Harris. Playing 4-5-1 would allow the Millers to swamp the midfield, something they did against Wolves, and also give themselves a chance to start Luke Hyam. The Ipswich loanee has impressed in his two substitute appearances, especially against Wolves, and Redfearn has hinted that his time for more action is coming. As well, playing five in midfield should make them more solid and Redfearn will hope that they can neuter a strong and resurgent Blackburn side, who are benefitting from the recent appointment of Paul Lambert.

Which Jonson Clarke-Harris will turn up

Having seen both ends of the JCH spectrum in the last two games - the powerhouse against Bristol City and the anonymity against Wolves - it's difficult to know which one we will see at Ewood Park. Likely to be playing up front on his own is perhaps not conducive to seeing the best of him, especially against seasoned and experienced Championship defenders, but Clarke-Harris has to offer something for the Millers. Hopefully a week on the training ground working with Redfearn and Best can help inspire him as the Millers will be up against it if he performs like he did in a similar role at Derby and Middlesbrough.

That Friday feeling

When you're down at the bottom end of a division it's no surprise that there are a lot of records and stats that go against you and Rotherham certainly have their fair share of them. And here's another one to add to their list - their Friday night record. Indeed, weekends have been ruined before they have even started on both occasions that the Millers have played on a Friday this season, with defeats to Burnley and Sheffield Wednesday, and they have only won one of their last six on that day - a 2-1 success over Leeds last season. Their record away from home is even worse and you have to go back to the days of Darren Pattinson's caretaker spell in 2012 to find the last victory. Hopefully the Millers can end the hoodoo this time and bring some early seasonal cheer.

How to stop Jordan Rhodes

Despite keeping clean sheets in two of their last three games, the Rotherham defence is still the leakiest in the division, so hotshot Blackburn striker Jordan Rhodes must be licking his lips at the prospect of coming up against Danny Collins, Kirk Broadfoot et al. The 25-year-old is a consistent scorer at this level and already has nine goals in 17 appearances this season, so will be the main threat on Friday. Without Stephen Kelly's pace at the back, the Millers could struggle to keep tabs on his impressive runs down the channels while they will not be able to afford for any loose balls in the area. The only positive the Millers can take is that he has scored just twice in the last nine games, but then again that probably means he is due one.