Match Preview | Rotherham United vs. Cardiff City
Cardiff City travel to Rotherham United’s New York Stadium on Thursday evening (27/04), 8pm KO.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | IN THE DUGOUT
Rotherham United’s manager is Matt Taylor, who was appointed in October 2022, signing a contract until 2026.
In his playing days, Taylor made over 150 league appearances for Exeter City, as well as representing the likes of Charlton Athletic, Bradford City, Cheltenham Town and Newport County.
Taylor’s first role in management was with his former club, Exeter City, who he had previously captained.
In his first season, the side narrowly missed out on a place in the League Two play-offs, finishing a point below the top seven. Taylor went on to lead Exeter City to promotion in the 2021/22 season, finishing second in the League Two table.
His time with the Grecians saw him impress and spark the interest of other clubs, before making the move to the Millers.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | LAST THREE
Taylor’s men head into Wednesday evening’s fixture on the back of recording one point from their last three fixtures.
The Millers fell to a 2-0 defeat to promotion-chasing Luton Town, with former Rotherham United striker Carlton Morris finding the net against his former club.
However, an impressive result was recorded against promoted Burnley, with a dogged performance earning a 2-2 draw. Despite falling behind twice, a Vitinho own-goal and a late equaliser from Georgie Kelly earned the Millers a point.
In their most recent fixture, the Millers succumbed to a 2-1 loss to Bristol City. Despite equalising through Jordan Hugill’s penalty, Andreas Weimann netted a 91st minute winner for the Robins.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | CITY’S RECORD
City faced Rotherham United for the first time in August 1952, with a clash at Ninian Park in Division Two.
The visitors claimed a 4-2 victory that day and since then, City have won 15 meetings, with the Millers claiming 22 wins and 14 games ending in a draw.
In the most recent completed meeting between the two sides, the Bluebirds claimed all three points. In a tight-contest at Cardiff City Stadium, Jaden Philogene showed fantastic skill and composure in the area to find space and pick out the top corner to give City the victory.
CLUB CONNECTION | LEE PELTIER
Wednesday evening’s clash could see the Bluebirds face off against former City right-back Lee Peltier.
A popular figure with the fanbase, the defender moved to the Welsh capital in 2015, proving to be a fantastic replacement for John Brayford, who signed for Sheffield United.
Pelts was a key part of the side that secured promotion to the Premier League in the 2017/18 season.
The defender went on to finish his time with the Bluebirds with 159 league appearances.
Since departing CCS, Peltier has represented West Bromwich Albion and Middlesbrough, before joining the Millers in July 2022.
