Stoke City play host to Rotherham United on Tuesday evening looking to record their third successive victory in the Championship.
However, the Millers make the trip to the bet365 Stadium sitting just one point adrift of their hosts in the standings after getting back to winning ways at the weekend.
Match preview
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When Stoke lost 4-0 to Watford at the start of the month, Alex Neil may have wondered what he had let himself in for in the Potteries, particularly when former club Sunderland were continuing to perform to a high standard.
However, collecting seven points from a possible nine against Burnley, Sheffield United and Preston North End suggests that Stoke are ready to launch a promotion bid under their new manager.
Six different players have got on the scoresheet, a sign that the Staffordshire outfit have stopped relying on Lewis Baker in midfield, and Neil's side are now within range when it comes to moving into the top six over the coming weeks.
While the Scot will not get carried away, Stoke are one of just four sides who have prevailed in their last two fixtures, highlighting the inconsistency blighting the majority of clubs in the division.
On a more negative note, Stoke have accumulated just eight points from six matches at the bet365 Stadium this season, giving them the sixth-worst home record in the division.
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Having taken on the challenge of managing Rotherham, Matt Taylor has headed somewhat into the unknown after leaving a stable job at Exeter City.
With his two matches having not gone to plan, the Yorkshire derby with Huddersfield Town felt like a huge fixture in the context of Rotherham's season as they bid to avoid a relegation battle.
However, they ended a four-match winless streak by recording a 2-1 triumph over the Terriers, moving five points clear of the relegation zone with a game in hand.
Conor Washington and Georgie Kelly both chipped in with their second Championship goals of the season, while Rotherham still possess one of the best defensive records in the league, conceding just 13 times in as many games.
Team News
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Despite the quick turnaround, Neil will give consideration to selecting the same Stoke XI for this fixture.
Sam Clucas and Liam Delap appear to be the first in line if Neil opts to rotate his team amid the hectic schedule, with Dwight Gayle one player who may drop out.
Despite netting as a substitute at the weekend, Kelly is yet to make a Championship start all season, and Tom Eaves may retain his spot in the Rotherham attack.
Like with the hosts, Taylor may not make any alterations to his side unless he decides to freshen up in the wing-back areas.
Brooke Norton-Cuffy and Cohen Bramall are both in contention to come into the team in those roles.
Stoke City possible starting lineup:
Bursik; Wilmot, Jagielka, Fox; Sterling, Laurent, Baker, Fosu-Henry; Smallbone; Campbell, Gayle
Rotherham United possible starting lineup:
Johansson; Hall, Wood, Peltier; Harding, Wiles, Barlaser, Rathbone, Ferguson; Eaves, Washington
We say: Stoke City 2-0 Rotherham United
Having regained some belief from the win over Huddersfield, Rotherham will feel confident about collecting more points in the Potteries. However, we feel that Stoke are developing into one of the main dark horses for the playoffs, leading us to predict a comfortable win for the home side.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
