Rotherham vs Stoke Prediction: Schumacher getting into top gear

The Championship this weekend presents us with a bottom half of the table clash that could have long-lasting effects on the relegation battle that is unfolding.

Basement boys Rotherham United host Stoke City (15:00, Saturday), who under their new manager Steven Schumacher are looking to fight their way out of trouble. Below we have taken a look at the match, and given a couple of betting selections for you to consider. 

Team News

Rotherham are likely to be without the pacey Cohen Bramall for this one after he was forced off in the FA Cup with an ankle issue. Lee Peltier could come into the team in his place, with Grant Hall and Cameron Humphreys suffering with injuries. 

Jordan Thompson is back from suspension for Stoke while Tyrese Campbell is edging closer to a return. Junior Tchamadeu is away on international duty so Ki-Jana Hoever should start again at right-back. 

Match Odds

Stoke are the favourites for this one despite being the away side at 9/10 to take all three points. Meanwhile, Rotherham are 11/4 for the win and a draw can be backed at 23/10. BTTS is 4/5 and over 2.5 goals is also 10/11.

Stoke to win

Rotherham are unbeaten in their last three league matches, but lost 1-0 to Fulham in the FA Cup last time out. There is no doubt that the Millers have improved under Leam Richardson and they do now have an outside chance of survival, but I believe they will come up short against Stoke. 

The main reason is that Stoke look to have finally got the right manager in charge. Steven Schumacher was an investment, and to bring him to the club from Plymouth Argyle was seen as somewhat of a coup for the Potters. Now they are unbeaten in their last six league matches, have tightened up their defence and should be able to use the full strength of their squad to get three points this weekend. It’s time for Stoke to start climbing the Championship table, starting on Saturday. 

Stoke to keep a clean sheet @ 6/4

As I’ve just mentioned, one of Stoke’s most impressive improvements under Schumacher has been their defence. They’ve conceded just four goals in their last six league matches, and kept clean sheets against Millwall and Ipswich Town during this time, and it’s no mean feat to keep the Tractor Boys at bay this term. 

The Millers have averaged less than a goal per game so far this term and up against a fairly sturdy Stoke defence, I’m happy to back the Potters to come away with a clean sheet. You can combine these two bets for a price of 21/10 on Stoke to win to nil. 

Check out our other Football Betting Tips here. 

Place an In-Play bet of £10 or more (at odds of 1/2 or greater) on any Premier League or Championship game on Saturday and get £5 in Free Bets to use on Sunday’s Premier League games.