High-flying Newcastle United travel to bottom club Rotherham United this afternoon with both sides in very contrasting predicaments.
Rotherham’s Jon Taylor celebrates scoring their first goal
Rotherham entertain Newcastle today for the first time in 26 years. The two sides have only ever clashed on 15 occasions in their history, and haven’t duelled in the league since 1983 when both were in the Second Division.
Both clubs find themselves in unchartered territory this season, with the Magpies back in the second tier for only the second time since 1992 while the Millers seek to remain in a division which seemed out of their reach as a League Two outfit only three years ago.
For Newcastle, they are expected to extract three points from the diminutive New York Stadium while the under-pressure Alan Stubbs will understand how unlikely a home victory would be. The Millers have won just once so far this term and Newcastle are riding high following their dramatic comeback against Norwich City in midweek.
What the Magpies must not do however, is to underestimate the Millers. Rafael Benitez’ side need to learn from their previous errors, when they seemingly relaxed after a 6-0 win at QPR and subsequently lost at home to Wolves four days later. Rotherham may be stuck to the bottom of the division, but they have still posed problems for the likes of Huddersfield and Wolves – both of whom have beaten the Magpies this season.
Take a look at three Rotherham players Newcastle need to watch.
Izzy Brown
Farmed out on loan to Vitesse Arnhem last season, Izzy Brown made over 20 appearances in the Eredivisie before returning to parent club Chelsea.
Tipped for success at both domestic and international level, the Blues have decided to keep the 19-year-old on their books and have allowed him out on loan to Rotherham this season where he has already bagged five goals.
Possessing pace, skill and trickery, he holds the key to unlocking the Magpies’ defence and the visitors need to cut him off at the source.
Rotherham’s Jon Taylor celebrates scoring their first goal with Izzy Brown
Danny Ward
After being chucked out of Bolton after a series of failed loan moves, Danny Ward eventually found his way to Rotherham. He has come under criticism in recent times for his profligacy in front of goal, but the striker has found the back of the net on five separate occasions this term.
He has had 21 shots this season, with 62% of those being on target. Whether he is marked by Jamaal Lascelles, Chancel Mbemba or Ciaran Clark, they need to keep him facing his own goal.
Rotherham’s Danny Ward in action
Joe Newell
Joe Newell has recently returned from injury after a lengthy lay-off and he is a welcome returnee for Alan Stubbs. The 23-year-old is a talented midfielder and his absence has been keenly felt in recent months.
The former Peterborough wideman is a pacey player, and has the ability to weigh in with a goal or two when given half a chance. Deandre Yedlin will have his hands full whenever Rotherham are in the ascendancy.
Joe Newell of Rotherham United in action with Craig Noone (L) and Kagisho Dikgacoi of Cardiff City
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
