Ten days after facing Rotherham United in Sky Bet League One, Rovers prepare to face Paul Warne's side again in the Papa John's Trophy.
Form Guide
Rotherham enter Tuesday evening’s Papa John’s Trophy group stage contest with a record of three wins and three losses across all competitions on the season. This includes a 2-1 loss to Accrington Stanley in a first round match of the Carabao Cup in August.
Papa John's Trophy Record
When it comes to the Papa John’s Trophy, Rotherham hold a record of four wins, four losses and a draw – which includes a loss on penalties - in the competition since 2013/14.
The Millers weren’t involved in the competition last season as they were in the Championship, however, the previous season they were also in Rovers group with the match between the sides taking place at The New York Stadium. Rovers were defeated 3-2 on that day but qualified out of the group – Rotherham United to not get through the group stage as they also wracked up defeats to Manchester United U21 and Lincoln City.
When it comes to the Millers’ history in the Papa John’s Trophy (or EFL Cup), Rotherham United has hoisted the trophy once in the 1995/96 campaign.
In a final that saw Rotherham face Shrewsbury Town in front of 35,235 supporters at Wembley Stadium, striker Nigel Jemson (on loan to Rotherham from parent club Notts County) would collect Man of the Match honours as he scored a brace in the Millers’ 2-1 win.
On the way to the 1996 final, Rotherham defeated Chester City, 1-0 in a Norther Section group stage game, followed by a 1-1 draw at home to Burnley in the second group stage contest. In the second round of the Northern Section, Wigan and Rotherham would battle to a 0-0 draw, with the Millers advancing on penalties, 4-1. The club advanced past York City, 4-1 in the Northern Section semi-finals, setting up a two-legged affair with Carlisle United in the Area finals. Rotherham won both legs by 2-0 score lines, advancing 4-0 on aggregate.
One to Watch - Michael Smith
Amid several deadline day transfer rumours, Michael Smith remained a member of Rotherham United. Michael Smith was a “player to watch” just under two weeks ago when Rovers and Rotherham met at the AESSEAL New York Stadium. In that game, the former Swindon Town striker provided both goals in a 2-0 win for the Millers. In what has been a successful three-year stint with the club (arriving to Rotherham from Bury in January 2018), Smith has scored 36 goals in 148 appearances. This season, he has scored three goals on nine shots on-target, converting at a 25% rate in six games. Smith also has an assist to his credit on the campaign. With his athleticism and pace, Smith has drawn nine fouls, while delivering 13 crosses for the team.
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