Quick Trophy Preview – Millers v Crewe

Rotherham United travel to Gresty Road, or the now named Mornflake Stadium, for this Papa John’s Trophy game against Crewe Alexandra

Crewe come into this game on the back of a four-one defeat away at Burton, which also saw Manager Dave Artell sent to the stands, while their last home game also saw them with no points against our South Yorkshire neighbours Sheffield Wednesday.

Two goals from Michael Smith saw the Millers get a two-one home win over Bolton at the weekend but their last away game, on Boxing Day, was a one-nil loss at Accrington.

Speaking to CheshireLive Crewe Manager, and former Miller, Dave Artell is expecting a ‘real tough game’ saying, ‘They (Rotherham) are a strong and physical side and we have to make sure we play as well as we did at their place (in Spetember) but in larger spells.’

Crewe will be without Nathan Woodthorpe with an ankle injury Rio Adebisis with a foot injury and this game might come too early for Scott Kashket and it could be that there are a number of youngsters in the match day squad.

The Millers will probably have some of the ‘fringe’ players in the travelling squad and could include young forward Jacob Gratton and defender Jake Hull who have both returned from loan spells with Guiseley this week. It is thought that Mickel Miller, who missed Saturday’s game with Bolton due to a slight hamstring twinge, won’t be risked.

The referee for this game is Rebecca Welch from Tyne and Wear.