Stoke vs Rotherham preview

It’s Carling Cup time again and another home draw for the Potters, this time against League 2 opposition, Rotherham United. The Millers should not be underestimated as they’ve already seen off three Championship opponents with Sheffield Wednesday, Wolves and Southampton all failing to progress.

Their league table position is also impressive. Despite relegation, losing their home ground (they’re temporarily playing at the Don Valley Stadium) and being stuck with a 17 point deduction, they’ve already clawed themselves off the bottom with only three defeats out of fifteen games so far this season.

Vital Quotes:

City first team coach, Mark O’Connor has warned that the Millers will be a stiff test. He told the official site: ‘No disrespect to us, but we’re not that good that we’re able to switch off’.

Stoke City Team News:

Stoke will field a similar starting eleven to that which saw off Reading in the last round with the likes of Steve Simonsen coming in along with Richard Cresswell and Glenn Whelan. Dave Kitson is likely to start up front as Mamady Sidibe is still injured after the draw at Wigan. This should allow Cresswell or Vincent Pericard to start alongside him. New boys, Michael Tonge and Tom Soares are both cup-tied with Liam Lawrence still injured.

Player to watch: Dave Kitson

There is no one more desperate for a goal to kick-start his Stoke career and a full 90 minutes should give him his best opportunity.

Rotherham Team News:

The Millers will be able to field a similar team to that which drew with Aldershot in the FA Cup on Saturday. Richie Barker is cup-tied.

Player to watch: Rueben Reid

The 21 year old was signed from Plymouth Argyle in the summer after loan spells with Wycombe and Brentford last season. He’s now the Millers’ top scorer with six goals.