Sunderland vs Rotherham United Match Analysis and Prediction

5 years ago 685

Fourth-placed Sunderland play host to second-placed Rotherham United at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday, in a pivotal encounter at the top of the League One table.

The hosts enter the contest off the back of a 5-1 victory over Cambridge United at the weekend, while Rotherham United came from behind to defeat Oxford United 2-1.

With only two matches left to play, Sunderland could certainly cause some trouble on Tuesday, with their hopes of automatic promotion to the Championship not dead yet.

After Cambrodge lost centre-back Lloyd Jones to an early red card after just 12 minutes on Saturday, Sunderland sailed through with goals from Ross Stewart (2), Nathan Broadhead, Danny Batth and Elliot Embleton to keep their hopes of a top-two finish alive.

Sunderland have not yet secured their spot in the playoffs, but are sitting fourth and can close the gap to Rotherham and MK Dons to just three points with a win on Tuesday.

Now on an 11-game unbeaten run in the league and winning each of their last five at the Stadium of Light, Alex Neil’s side have set themselves up well for a contest of this importance.

The Easter season has not been a memorable one for Rotherham as they seek an immediate return to the second division of English football, but they returned to winning ways during the visit of Oxford United on Saturday.

Dan Barlaser’s own goal broke the dealock with 10 minutes gone, but Rotherham restored parity through Rarmani Edmonds-Green on the stroke of half time before Barlaser netted the winner in the 66th minute.

Rotherham will hope for favour from Portsmouth against Wigan on Tuesday, but they have failed to win any of their last four League One games on the road and have not scored even once in that run.

Sunderland vs Rotherham United head to head

The two teams have previously met on seven occasions across all competitions, where Sunderland have claimed four victories while Rotherham have won once, and they have drawn twice. Sunderland have scored 11 goals and conceded eight. In their last five meetings, Rotherham have won once, Sunderland three with one draw.

Rotherham United 0-1 Sunderland 25/10/04

Sunderland 4-1 Rotherham United 22/02/05

Rotherham United 1-2 Sunderland 23/07/16

Sunderland 1-1 Rotherham United 17/09/19

Rotherham United 5-1 Sunderland 30/10/21

Sunderland latest home form

Sunderland have recently been on a good run of form at home, as they have been unbeaten in their six most recent matches. In their last home game, they managed to defeat Cambridge United 5-1 in the league. In their last five matches, they have scored 14 goals and conceded four.

Sunderland 3-1 Fleetwood Town 08/03/22

Sunderland 2-0 Crewe Alexandra 12/03/22

Sunderland 1-0 Gillingham 02/04/22

Sunderland 3-2 Shrewsbury Town 15/04/22

Sunderland 5-1 Cambridge United 23/04/22

Sunderland latest away form

Sunderland have recently been on a good run of form on the road, having been unbeaten in their six most recent matches. In their last away game, they played out a goalless draw with Plymouth Argyle in the league. In their last five matches, they have scored five goals and conceded one.

Wigan Athletic 0-3 Sunderland 26/02/22

Charlton Athletic 0-0 Sunderland 05/03/22

Lincoln City 0-0 Sunderland 19/03/22

Oxford United 1-2 Sunderland 09/04/22

Plymouth Argyle 0-0 Sunderland 18/04/22

Rotherham United latest home form

Rotherham have recently kept a patchy run of form at home, as they have lost two of their five most recent matches. In their last home game, they managed to defeat Oxford United 2-1 in the league. In their last five matches, they have scored seven goals and conceded seven.

Rotherham United 0-3 Shrewsbury Town 19/03/22

Rotherham United (E)4-2 Sutton United 03/04/22

Rotherham United 0-1 Charlton Athletic 09/04/22

Rotherham United 1-0 Ipswich Town 16/04/22

Rotherham United 2-1 Oxford United 23/04/22

Rotherham United latest away form

Rotherham have recently been on a poor run of form on the road, having won just one of their five most recent matches. They defeated Hartlepool United through penalties after a 2-2 draw in the EFL Trophy. In their last five matches, they have scored two goals and conceded seven.

Shrewsbury Town 0-0 Rotherham United 01/03/22

Hartlepool United 2-2(P) Rotherham United 09/03/22

Wycombe Wanderers 0-0 Rotherham United 12/03/22

Portsmouth 3-0 Rotherham United 12/04/22

Burton Albion 2-0 Rotherham United 19/04/22

Sunderland news

Sunderland’s Carl Winchester was only on the pitch for 10 minutes against Cambridge United before being taken off with an apparent groin injury.

Neil is likely to cope without Dennis Cirkin, who could return if they successfully advance to the playoff, but Callum Doyle could come into the backline this week.

Rotherham United news

Striker Will Grigg is out for the season with a hamstring issue alongside Josh Vickers who has a broken hand, while Freddie Ladapo was also absent at the weekend.

Shane Ferguson is also out for the season after suffering a foot injury against Burton, while Michael Smith prepares to lead the line again.

Prediction and Odds

Sunderland’s impressive weekend showing and the victory at the Stadium of Light sees them enter the game as favourites and Rotherham have to endure a tough 90 minutes.

Rotherham have most recently been poor on the road and that run is likely to continue against hosts who have been impressive at home recently.

Odds: 1 2.00 X 2.05 2 2.35