Millers v Dale Preview

Rotherham United take a short trip over the border into Lancashire, although technically it's now in Greater Manchester, to take on Rochdale at Spotland for the first game of 2013.

Both teams go into this game after scoring four goals in their final game of last year - the Dale beating Bradford at Bradford while the Millers were at home and beat Accrington Stanley.

The Millers will want to get a bit of revenge on Rochdale as they were the first team in the league to win at the New York Stadium. Dale start the new year in tenth place and four points behind the Millers in fifth.

Jimmy Bell (Assistant Manager) - I think everyone knows that we are the best footballing team in the league and some managers plan against us. Rotherham will bring a big contingent of fans but hopefully our supporters will get behind them like which I know they will. Rotherham are on top form and at the moment we have to strive to match them and get into the play-off places.

Steve Evans - John Coleman likes his team to get the ball down and play and they are an organised team with some very talented players. We will take a great Millers support there and maybe have as many as the home support and we'll need them in fine voice because this is a real tough game.

John Coleman will probably name the same eleven who started at Valley Parade on Saturday. Ryan Edwards, on loan from Blackburn, is due to make his final appearance before returning to his parent club.

Joined Dale at the end of August from Scunthorpe and is top scorer so far this season, which includes one from the spot against the Millers earlier in the season

Steve Evans has no new injury worried and will toy with starting Daniel Nardiello after he came off the bench on Saturday to score two goals. It could be that he also thinks about putting skipper Ian Sharps back in at the back and moving Kari Arnason into his preferred position in midfield - but then, who to drop? This game will come too early for David Noble, Dale Tonge and Lionel Ainsworth who need match practice after coming back from long injuries.

Midfielder who has got the odd goal since joining the Millers in the summer

Stuart Attwell from Warwickshire

The Millers take a break from the league on Saturday when they make the long trip to Aldershot in the third round of the FA Cup. Kick-off is 3.00pm

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