Rotherham United, like Norwich City, look likely to put out a second string side against tonight’s opposition. However, when a substitute squad consists of the likes of Tom Thorpe and Emmanuel Ledesma, you get the feeling the Millers stand a chance. Not to mention that triple-save shot-stopper, Adam Collin, who is likely to be between the sticks. The 30-year-old has made a habit of of thwarting the Canaries.
The home side might not have as many fans present as on your average match day but will still have considerably more than the travelling support who, unsurprisingly, won’t take well to a 150 mile trip to a Capital One Cup fixture in only the second round, and against a team they played only months ago. That, coupled with the typical British weather on a torrid Tuesday night should spell defeat for Alex Neil’s men, but our form suggests otherwise. Yes, we lost to former Premier League opposition and still put two past them. Yes, we took a point against a decent Preston. But look where it’s got us so far.
On paper our starting 11 is stronger than last season’s but they have no fightback spirit in them. It appears old habits don’t die hard. If Norwich bag the first goal then, routinely, we’ll give in. It’s what I’ve observed to be the case when it’s not going our way.
Some of the lads who are spending their Saturday afternoons in the dugout might have more of a point to prove though. Jonson Clarke-Harris is a prime example. The striker ‘didn’t look like a footballer’ prior to being handed a few minutes in mid-week. He was lively and netted against QPR, evidently hungry for the jersey. Keep your eye on him.
The gaffer is finally realising that playing one upfront on his own (namely, Matt Derbyshire) isn’t working. Rotherham are much more effective with a partnership in the final third, that should be tactics done and dusted. We’re quite defensive minded these days since the arrival of new first team coach, Eric Black.
It’s not worked out so far but the Scot will have his side set out to stop the Yellows scoring. I’ll censor this one but in Mike Bassett’s words, I’m hoping
for a 4-4-f******-2.
The last time the two clubs met, both held their own and put up a fight – probably because we had something to fight for – safety and promotion respectively – but I’d hope for a similar contest nonetheless. Both of us now have similar aims in different divisions: to stay up.
Prediction – As a fellow Red, I have to stay optimistic, so:
Rotherham United 2-1 Norwich City. Derbyshire and Ledesma for us, Redmond for you.
