Rotherham United boss Matt Taylor will be looking to earn their first league double over Sheffield United for 42-years tomorrow when they entertain the Blades in the South Yorkshire Derby.
Ben Wiles goal on 38 minutes at Bramall Lane earlier in the season was enough to settle the Derby match and hand the visitors their first victory in S2 for 42-years, and now have an opportunity to claim a league double over the Blades. The Millers last claimed a league double over the Blades during the 1980-81 Third Division campaign when the Millers won each game 2-1 at Bramall Lane (on 27th September), and at their former Millmoor Ground (on 21st February).
Since Rotherham United pulled off an unexpected 1-0 victory at Sheffield United on 8th November, the Millers have won once in their last nine fixtures (in all competitions). They have recorded three draws during this period and their solo victory came at home to Blackburn Rovers, winning 4-0. Having exited the FA Cup in the Third-Round stage at Ipswich Town, the S60 club was without a competitive fixture last weekend. It leaves their 1-1 draw at Watford on 21st January as they last competitive outing.
Millers boss Taylor is expected to be without four players ahead of this weekend’s South Yorkshire Derby. Goalkeeper Josh Vickers (shoulder), midfielder Wiles (ankle), and forwards Georgie Kelly and Tom Eaves (both calf) are all side-lined through injury.
With 33 Championship goals to their name, the Millers are short on firepower (Sheffield United have scored 48 goals thus far this season). They are likely to turn to former Blades striker Conor Washington from Charlton Athletic, who has scored five league goals this season, to hit the target. The Northern Ireland international was signed in August 2018 from Queens Park Rangers on a free transfer and was part of the squad which helped the Blades win promotion to the Premier League – playing 16 times and, despite his best efforts, failed to find the back of the net.
Last Six Meetings
04.10.2013 – Rotherham United 1-2 Sheffield United (Football League Trophy)
07.09.2013 – Rotherham United 3-1 Sheffield United (League One)
08.04.2014 – Sheffield United 1-0 Rotherham United (League One)
24.11.2018 – Rotherham United 2-2 Sheffield United (Championship)
09.03.2019 – Sheffield United 2-0 Rotherham United (Championship)
08.11.2022 – Sheffield United 1-0 Rotherham United (Championship)