Rotherham
hope to build on their impressive win over Hull on Boxing Day when
rock-bottom Bolton visit New York.
The
game represents a chance to not only move out of the bottom three but
inflict further damage on their visitors at the foot of the table.
Here's
five things to look out for in the game.
Making the Hull win count
The
superb success over Steve Bruce's men surprised many and, despite
being well deserved, it was a definite bonus for the Millers in that
it was a game they were not expected to get anything out of. Those
vital three points will count for nothing if they cannot follow it up
against Bolton – a side they will be expected to beat. Although the
Millers have positive experiences of building on wins this season, as landmark
successes against Cardiff and Leeds were followed up, if history is
anything to go by this is not going to be a canter. It would be
entirely Rotherham United-like to win last week and then follow it up
on Boxing Day against the bottom of the league in front of a full
house with a limp performance. Stuff like that is their trademark.
Boss Neil Redfearn will want a rebranding to ensure that his side
register something against Bolton.
Are Bolton as bad as their form suggests?
Despite
Bolton's beleaguered position – both on and off the field – it
would be foolish to think they are going to roll over and let
Rotherham win. They are currently five points adrift of safety, but
they have lost less games than the Millers this season and have drawn
more than anyone else in the division. This isn't going to be easy.
Both Lennon – when not dealing with allegations about his private life in the media – and his assistant Steve Walford have been
encouraged by recent performances and believe draws against Charlton
and Fulham have given them confidence to go and get wins. They will
be targeting this game just as much as the
Millers are.
Luke Hyam's replacement
Ipswich's
recall of Luke Hyam means that Redfearn will be forced into at least
one change on Saturday. If the boss wants a like-for-like replacement
then he has Tom Thorpe and Paul Green who can play a sitting role
alongside Richie Smallwood, but given neither men have been since
since the first half of the Ipswich game, then he might have
reservations about selecting them. He may choose to change formation
and play someone up with Danny Ward, particularly if Leon Best is
fit, or he could play Tony Andreu in the hole behind Ward. What would
you do? Pick your starting XI here and share on Facebook or Twitter.
Flash in the pan for Danny Ward
One
of the best things about the win over Hull was the emergence of Danny
Ward. He was outstanding in the lone striking role as he caused the
Tigers no end of problems with his presence, pace and mobility. The
former Huddersfield man had shown glimpses of his quality at the back
end of last season but has struggled to do it consistently amid a
string of injuries. But now is the time for Ward to show why he is
rated so highly by his manager and team-mates on a regular basis,
starting against Bolton. The 25-year-old has to put in the same
manner of performance as against Hull, terrorising the visitors' back
four with his energy and athleticism. If he can do that and the goals
start to follow, the Millers could have a real talent on their hands.
Boxing Day cheer
Rotherham
have had it tough in the second tier during their last two stints
there, but one thing they have always done well at is picking up
results on Boxing Day. In four games during the early 2000s and
current spell, the Millers are yet to be beaten on the day after
Christmas having won three and drawn one. After the 01/02 game
against Burnley was victim of the weather, Ronnie Moore's side won
games against Preston (02/03), Wigan (03/04) and Leicester (04/05).
Then last year, they maintained their unbeaten run in unlikely
fashion as they scored two goals in the final two minutes to come
from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Huddersfield. The Millers will be
hoping they can add to that on Saturday, to end their Christmas
celebrations in style.
