Rotherham United and Bradford City will battle for a place in the EFL Trophy semi-finals when they face off at the New York Stadium in Tuesday's quarter-final clash.
It will be the second time these sides meet in the competition this season, with the hosts edging a 1-0 victory in the group stage.
Match preview
Rotherham's quest for a third EFL Trophy title remains alive, though they had a close call in the previous round, needing penalties to overcome Chesterfield after a goalless draw in normal time.
Winners of the competition in 1995–96 and most recently in 2021–22, the Millers are yet to lose in this season's tournament, topping their group with three wins, including that narrow victory over Bradford.
Steve Evans's side secured a dramatic 3-2 win over Tranmere Rovers in the second round before surviving the penalty shoot-out against Chesterfield to reach this stage.
Following their relegation from the Championship last season, Rotherham's hopes of an immediate return are fading as they currently sit 15th in League One, seven points adrift of the playoff spots.
Recent form has not been encouraging either, with two defeats in their last three matches, including Sunday's 2-1 loss to Birmingham.
However, history favours the Millers in this fixture, having won 18 of their 35 previous meetings against the visitors, losing just 11, and adding to their confidence is that they have won the last three encounters against the Bantams, including both meetings in this competition.
Bradford will be desperate to avoid a repeat of their previous struggles against Rotherham, having conceded four goals without reply across their two meetings in this competition.
Graham Alexander's side have suffered just one defeat in the competition this season—that 1-0 loss to Rotherham in the group stage—though they still managed to progress in second place with four points.
Since then, the Bantams have found their rhythm, scoring three goals in both their second and third-round victories over Stockport County and Aston Villa Under-21s, keeping their dream of a first-ever EFL Trophy title alive.
Before Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Wimbledon in League Two, Bradford had been in superb form, going unbeaten in eight games across all competitions—winning seven and drawing one, and that run included five straight victories.
The biggest concern for the visitors will be their inconsistency on the road; the Bantams have won just six of their 19 away games this season across all competitions, although three of those victories have come in the EFL Trophy.
Team News
Rotherham midfielder Shaun McWilliams remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, though the head coach has confirmed it is not as serious as initially feared, and he is expected to return to training this week.
Jonson Clarke-Harris is also unavailable due to a calf issue, while Alex MacDonald remains out with a groin injury.
Bradford will once again be without prolific goalscorer Andy Cook, who is recovering from a serious knee injury – the 24-year-old has been ruled out for the rest of the season.
In his absence, Calum Kavanagh has led the attack, scoring six goals and providing four assists in 28 appearances this season, and he is expected to retain his place for this clash.
Rotherham United possible starting lineup:
Phillips; Odoffin, Jules, Raggett, James; Humphreys, Powell, Sibley; Green; Wilks, Nombe
Bradford City possible starting lineup:
Walker; Baldwin, Shepherd, Kelly; Johnson, Pattison, Smallwood, Richards; Sarcevic, Kavanagh, Leigh
We say: Rotherham United 2-1 Bradford City
Rotherham's League One status and home advantage will give them the edge, plus the solid record against the visitors. The Millers also have more experience in this competition, which is why we believe that they will edge this fixture by the end of the final whistle.
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