At the start of the season, Rotherham would have jumped at the chance to have their fate still in their own hands with two matches left, yet Matt Taylorwill be disappointed that his team have not already guaranteed survival.
The Millers have conceded late goals to lose 2-1 to each of Bristol City and Cardiff City over the past week, meaning that there will be work to do regardless of the results over the weekend.
With 22nd-placed Reading hosting bottom-placed Wigan Athletic and 21st-placed Huddersfield Town travelling to Cardiff City, Taylor is aware that Rotherham can ill-afford a third successive defeat on Monday afternoon.
A win, combined with possessing a solid goal difference in comparison to their rivals, will be enough to secure their second-tier status, and eight victories from 22 home fixtures in the league tells you that they are capable of pulling off a shock against Boro.
Nevertheless, Rotherham have conceded twice in each of their last four matches, something which does not bode well ahead of facing the best attack in the division.
From Boro’s perspective, their consistency and general performance level has dropped off of late, Michael Carrick’s team losing three of their last six outings.
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As many as 12 goals have been shipped during that period, their efforts in defence becoming an increasing concern ahead of an important stage of the season.
Although the North-East outfit will not necessarily mind who they face in the playoffs, Carrick will be eager to resolve some issues ahead of trying to earn a spot at Wembley Stadium.
On a plus note, Boro have scored 27 times during their last 10 fixtures, with Cameron Archer’s four strikes in three games ensuring that opponents have more to worry about in the Boro attack than just Chuba Akpom.
