THE OPPOSITION
The time is now for Rotherham United if they want to try and avoid a third successive Sky Bet Championship relegation.
Two Coronavirus outbreaks in The Millers' squad, and weather-related postponements, have seen Paul Warne's men playing catch up in terms of games since Christmas. Now, however, those games are running out and The Millers are still rooted in the bottom three.
United head into tonight's game four points from safety but now with just two games in hand over Derby County. As the games have piled up, tonight's is their ninth match in 25 days, their form has dipped.
They've lost 12 of their last 16 second tier games, winning three and drawing one. Four consecutive home games midway through this month brought just three points but Rotherham have been strong on the road recently with five wins and a draw from their last ten away games.
The Millers have conceded just 23 goals on the road all campaign, the ninth best record in the second tier, with forward Michael Smith (above) only behind Cardiff City's Kieffer Moore in terms of aerial duels won this term.
TEAM NEWS
Winston Reid is available again tonight but there will be no Shandon Baptiste (knee), Henrik Dalsgaard (knee), Josh Dasilva (hip), and Rico Henry (hamstring). Pontus Jansson also serves his one game ban following Saturday's red card.
Rotherham's cause has not been helped by injury and suspensions picked up in recent weeks. Matt Crooks is suspended after his Middlesbrough red card while goalkeeper Viktor Johansson is out following a heavy clash with Barnsley's Carlton Morris on Saturday. Clark Robertson is also out while Matthew Olosunde could return after illness.
THE MANAGER
Paul Warne joined the coaching staff at United in May 2012, following his retirement from football. A striker in his career, he made over 450 professional league appearances across two spells at Rotherham. He also got game time at Wigan Athletic, Oldham Athletic and Yeovil Town.
In November 2016, with Kenny Jackett heading out of the door, Warne was given the reins as caretaker-manager. In January that season, he reluctantly took job until the end of the season. Growing into the role as time went on, Rotherham have kept faith with Warne through two relegations and been rewarded with instant promotions on both occasions.
THOMAS' THOUGHTS
PRE-MATCH VIEWS
⚖ Michael Salisbury will be the man in charge tonight
🆚 BBC Sport's Andy Giddings previews The Millers
LAST TIME OUT
HOW TO FOLLOW
Tonight's game is live on Sky Sports as well as iFollow for Season Ticket and Premium Seat Members.
Audio Match Passes to listen live are available to buy for £2.50
Click here to buy