Rotherham United manager Matt Taylor feels his side are in good spirits heading to Swansea City tonight following an impressive mid-week victory over Sunderland.
The Millers will be hoping to build on their first win since early January, but face a stern test even with the Swans being on a poor run of form themselves.
A win for the Yorkshire side will see them move eight points clear of the relegation zone, while Swansea will be looking to stop themselves falling further into the bottom half.
Taylor said: “There’s a bounce from both the performance and the points. We certainly feel better about ourselves going into this game.
“We’ve been playing football in the right areas, pushing the opposition backwards and going towards their goal.”
The game is set to be a contrast of styles, with both managers commenting on the way their opponents play in the build up to the match.
Swansea City head coach, Russell Martin said: “Rotherham are very good at what they do. They run and work very hard, they’ll be aggressive in their approach and make it as difficult as possible.”
Taylor equally believes the Swans will pose his side a tough test despite being on a poor run themselves.
He said: “We know how difficult it will be, certainly on their home patch at their stadium which really suits the way they play. We have to find a way of putting them under pressure with or without the ball, and that will be a process that we’ll go through over the weekend.”
Swansea have made a name for themselves under Martin by keeping the ball very effectively, and have both one of the highest percentages of possession while also making the most progressive passes. Rotherham are on the complete other end of the spectrum, relying on direct passing, combined with the physicality and work-rate, of striker Jordan Hugill.
This contrast is reflected in the quality of chances both sides have created and conceded. Rotherham have the worst difference between Expected Goals (xg) for and against in the division, while Swansea actually have the 6th best despite currently being in 15th place.
The Millers will have to hope they put in a performance similar to the 1-0 win against Sheffield United in November in order to add to their only two away wins so far this season.
Injury news:
Rotherham: Ben Wiles and Sean Morrison remain out, Lee Peltier could move into the middle of defence following an injury to Grant Hall. Ollie Rathbone could make a return depending on the status of his groin injury.
Swansea: Steven Benda remains out for the rest of the season with a cruciate injury, Luke Cundle and Jay Fulton could be side-lined after sustaining knocks.
