Preview | Rotherham United v Swansea City

9th December
First team
Rotherham United ground

Swansea City head to Rotherham United looking to end a difficult week on a high at the AESSEAL New York Stadium (3pm).

Caretaker head coach Alan Sheehan is in charge of the Swans following Michael Duff's departure earlier in the week, and the Irishman has challenged his players to deliver a performance that everyone connected with the club can be proud of.

They face a Millers side currently sitting in the relegation zone, but who have taken 11 of their 13 points this season in their own back yard.

TEAM NEWS

Nathan Wood injury

The Swans will not have any of their injured contingent back in time for the trip to south Yorkshire.

Kristian Pedersen, Joe Allen, Nathan Wood and Mykola Kuharevich have all been back on the grass, but are not yet fit enough for a return to first-team action.

Sheehan has suggested there is the possibility of talent from the club's academy being in his plans for the fixture.

 

PRE-MATCH VIEWS

Alan Sheehan: “We know every game is difficult in the Championship and it is difficult to get three points.

“So it is about finding the formula to be consistent in every game, which we have been at times this season.

“We know it will be a tough game, we have a whole lot of respect for Rotherham and the challenge they will represent.

“But I firmly believe it is about us, how we do things and how we can hurt them.

“That’s what the mindset has been, focusing on how we can beat the opposition in front of us.

“We understand the responsibility we have to this football club and to the supporters, and we want to show the best of ourselves.”

Wayne Carlisle: "The biggest thing for me is my reputation.

"I want to walk away from this job, if that's what it's going to be, with the fans, the people at the club and the players giving feedback that we've gone about it in the most professional way in the circumstances we were left with.

"I'm not quite sure what's going to happen. We'll see from here. If a new manager comes in and doesn't see me as part of it then I totally understand.”

 

MEET THE OFFICIALS

Josh Smith referee

Josh Smith will be the man in the middle this afternoon. You can find out more about him and his team of officials here.

 

REMEMBER THE LAST TIME?

Harry Darling marked his Swansea City debut with a stunning goal as the visitors kicked off the Championship campaign with a draw at Rotherham on their last visit to the AESSEAL New York Stadium.

The Swans trailed to Chiedozie Ogbene’s header from a long throw in the 16th minute, but they were level seven minutes before the break thanks to Darling, who sent a superb 25-yeard strike flying into the net.

The visitors had chances to win it, the best of them falling to Michael Obafemi, who was unable to turn in Joel Piroe’s cross from close range, while Andy Fisher made a couple of important saves at the other end.

 

PRIME NUMBERS

Matt Grimes

1 - Swansea have lost just one of their last nine meetings with Rotherham, winning three and drawing two in the last five.

6 - Charlie Patino's goal against Huddersfield took him to six goal involvements this season. Only Jamie Paterson with seven has more in the Swansea squad.