Match Preview | Rotherham United vs. Cardiff City
Cardiff City travel to Rotherham United’s New York Stadium on Saturday afternoon (18/03), 3pm KO.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | CURRENT FORM
The Millers head into this weekend’s fixture after a 2-1 defeat to Preston North End in midweek. Despite Hakeem Odoffin cancelling out Thomas Cannon’s opener, Ched Evans’ goal saw them record their 15th defeat of the campaign.
Matt Taylor’s side currently sit 20th in the Championship table, having recorded seven points in their last six fixtures, a record that sees them place 16th in the form table.
The side have a respectable home record so far this campaign, winning seven from their 18 fixtures at the New York Stadium, which is the 13th best record in the division.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | KEY PLAYER
Rotherham United’s most important player is top scorer Chiedozie Ogbene, who has 13 caps for the Republic of Ireland.
Ogbene represented Cork City and Limerick prior to making the move to the English system with Brentford.
After switching to the Millers in August 2019, he has made a huge impression, netting eight league goals this season, as well as recording three assists.
Ogbene averages a goal every 336 minutes, with a shot accuracy of 56%.
CLUB CONNECTION | JORDAN HUGILL
The Bluebirds could go head-to-head with former loanee Jordan Hugill this weekend.
The striker spent the second half of last season in the Welsh capital, joining on loan from Norwich City.
Hugill had an important contribution, scoring four league goals and making an impression during his time in a City shirt.
In January, the striker joined Rotherham United on a three-and-a-half year deal for an undisclosed fee and has two league goals since signing for the Millers.
The home side also have former Bluebirds Lee Peltier and Sean Morrison as members of their squad currently. Pelts is featuring regularly, while Moz sadly suffered an injury shortly after arriving in South Yorkshire.
CITY FLASHBACK | BLUEBIRDS PUT FIVE PAST MILLERS
City welcomed Rotherham United to Cardiff City Stadium in February 2017 looking for a third consecutive victory, after away wins over Leeds United and Derby County.
Neil Warnock’s men found it in some style, recording a convincing 5-0 win. Winger Kadeem Harris gave City an early lead with a fine curling effort.
Junior Hoilett was called from the bench just before the interval to replace Rhys Healey, who had sadly suffered an ACL tear. It didn't take the Canadian winger long to impact the game, netting our second before the break, after intercepting a short back pass.
With the Bluebirds playing with great confidence in the second period, Craig Noone added a third with an acrobatic volley, prior to striker Kenneth Zohore showing his striking ability. The in-form Dane lashed home the fourth before deftly adding the finishing touch with a beautiful lob.
The victory saw Warnock’s side rise to 12th in the table, where they would go on to finish at the end of the campaign.
The season proved to be a springboard for the following year, as City clinched promotion to the Premier League.
