Rovers v Rotherham... my thoughts!

The first thing about this preview is one early-ish goal and most of what I've written tomorrow could go completely out the window.

Since the start of the season, I've seen both Doncaster Rovers and Rotherham United quite a few times and I very much expect tomorrow's local derby game to be closely fought with probably little in the way of goalmouth action. Both teams, probably, will play 4-3-3.

Rotherham, slightly, have a stronger squad in my opinion and that might be reflected when it comes to possession. I'd expect them to see more of the ball - though whether they can convert that into goals or even chances is another matter altogether.

From the games which I've seen this season, the Millers seem quite positive in the first two thirds of the pitch, but in and around the opposition area is where they've been struggling. New signing Jake Hastie will be keen to make an impact and Freddie Ladapo still has something to prove in attack but, again, it remains to be seen whether tomorrow's the day when things come together.

Eventually, it will do and somebody will be on the end of a tonking which will keep Paul Warne's critics quiet for one weekend at least. Hastie might have success if he can capitalise on the likely occasions when Brad Halliday 'bombs on' to support attacking moves for Rovers yet instead there's a quick turnover of possession and Rotherham are able to break.

Midfielder Matt Crooks is another player who I rate considerably having seen him play in Huddersfield Town's youth set-up (when they were in the Premier League Youth League) with Aidan Chippendale and a few others most folk have probably never heard of, nearly 10 years ago. He hasn't hit it off so far this season; being largely inconsistent thus far, but if he plays and is on form, then he will be a threat and boasts the potential to dictate the game.

Rovers, on the other hand, have created a lot of goals out of nothing so far this season and the biggest threat I think could be Niall Ennis up against Richard Wood. Ennis has pace in abundance and if at any point he is able to get a run on the experienced centre-back, it could lead to danger though the visitors do have a decent 'keeper in Daniel Iversen.

Kazaiah Sterling, used largely as a substitute so far this term, may also pose problems though my assumption will be that he'll probably not feature until around 60-65 minutes in.

Finally, Rovers are likely to attempt to pull off some 'triangular' passing 'one-twos' in attacking moves with the purpose being for one of the full-backs; Halliday or Reece James, to push on and then whip a first-time cross into the box. This scenario, especially with Halliday, can cause danger as he has the ability to deliver great crosses or cut a pass inside to James Coppinger who will probably lurk and loiter with intent on the edge of the 18-yard box.

Of course, a set-piece, a 'worldie' finish from somebody, or an early goal which means one team has to chase the game, will alter the entire direction of proceedings. However, my gut feeling is there'll be few chances and both teams will counteract one another quite well in what will probably be an edgy, nervy, derby atmosphere.

My gut-feeling prediction: 0-1.