Rotherham United have had a tough start to the season with just three wins so far. Ex-Bournemouth midfielder Shaun MacDonald broke his leg against Stoke City at the end of October, and the team has battled on to win one of its last five games. The last home win was a good one though with a 2-1 victory over Preston North End.
Paul Warne explained that Rotherham, like Bournemouth, have struggled to put in 90-minute performances, playing well in the second half of their latest game against QPR, when they were already 3-1 down at half-time. He accused his players of giving QPR too much respect, so we can expect the Millers to really go at AFCB in the first 20 minutes. While they are coming out on the wrong side of many results, they are scoring goals with Matt Crooks, Daniel Barlaser, Freddie Ladapo and Jamie Lindsay all on two goals. Warne will be hoping that striker Michael Smith continues scoring as he did when he came back into the side in their last match.
Rotherham's best home win was the 3-0 result versus Sheffield Wednesday in October, but they only had one win in November and remain three points above the relegation zone. It will be Bournemouth's first game at the AESEAL stadium New York Stadium since January 2015 when they won 1-5 in the FA Cup and 0-2 in the league.
Injuries for the Millers apart from MacDonlad include, Kieran Sadler who is out for another two months having injured a ligament against Preston North End. Other long term injuries are winger Chiedozie Ogbene (knee) and defender Clark Robertson (fractured foot).
Bournemouth have won only two of their last five away games, so Jason Tindall will want to see the Cherries find some of their home form carrying over to this game.
Rotherham United Home Form
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AFCB Away Form
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