In previous season, Rotherham lost at Wembley in the play-off final (Dagenham 2-3) and stayed in League Two. Since then, there were not too much changes in the team and the Millers remain as one of four contenders for the title. They made a decent start noticing just one defeat in opening 10 rounds, currently hold 3rd position and at home have 3 wins and 2 draws. Both draws were a little bit unlucky and while against devastated Bradford (0-0) didn’t manage to capitalize obvious superiority, against Burton lost 3-0 lead at the half time (3-3). Boss Moore rested his key players at Cup game during the midweek (win over Burton away), while skipper Cresswell backs to the team after missed 2 games following the death of his grandfather.
Stevenage are having a good start of their debut campaign in the fourth tier. They collected 13 points and are currently far from relegation zone. However, they still haven’t played against top league sides and all wins they noticed in games that should be six-pointers in the relegation battle (Stockport 3-1, Lincoln 1-0 and Hereford (4-1). Despite they don’t feel too much stress right now, Stevenage will face a tough battle for avoiding relegation. Their hope today will be on loan striker Chris Holroyd who scored 4 goals in first 3 games for the club (3 against Hereford). Skipper defender Roberts has been recovered from injury and could make a return, while midfielder Byrom and striker Boylan remain sidelined.
Don Valley is always a tough place to go for any league team, not just ex Conference side. Difference in quality and ambitions, home pitch and excellent (and rested) Adam le Fondre (9 goals in past 10 games) should simply be too much for Stevenage.
Bet: Rotheram -0.25
Odd: 1.93 Pinnacle
Stake: 7/10
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Rochdale also secured the promotion in the previous round. But, oppositely for County their run of results looks like a torturing. Before Saturday’s win (Northampton, 1-0 at home), they had four games without a win, three defeats and a draw, goal difference 0-8! In last two away games, noticed two defeats, vs. play-off chasers Chesterfield 0-2 and shocking one vs. bottom side Torquay 0-5! They reached the promotion first time after 69 years (or first time after 1969., not sure). Knowing the mentality of players in lower divisions they probably spent more time in the pubs than on the pitch training. However, boss Keith Hill has a choice to name the best squad and face a defeat, or to put fringe players, defend all game and try to spoil the celebration of home fans. I think he’ll choose the second solution.
Burton came from the Conference and already achieved their target for this season, to avoid relegation. In last three away games, have two draws and a defeat against bottom sides. Two important players are in doubt. Winger Keith Gilroy and striker Richard Walker. Considering the low game importance, they probably won’t appear (and I won’t take over, beside home win). In last 8 games vs. Dagenham, Burton noticed a draw and 7 defeats.
Port Vale are a decent side that are chasing a play-off spot with four points less than 7th Morecambe. They’re playing very well lately, noticing 7 points of last three games and having three wins and a draw in last four on the road. They fight for every ball on the pitch and oppositely from the hosts, their motivation is on very high level. Striker Sean Rigg should start the game after coming off the bench to score against Aldershot on Saturday.
Instead a battle for a title (as they promised before the season started), Rotheram are struggling to keep their play-off hopes. Considering their recent shape, wouldn’t be a miracle if they even drop out from first seven. They’ve noticed 3 defeats in a row (scored just once), while on the road have a win and four defeats of five games (scored twice). 0-3 defeat vs. Aldershot at Monday activated all alarms and first move is important midfielder Gary Roberts has been sacked for a breach of club’s discipline (drink and gambling). 
