Millers boss calls for more fairness
ROTHERHAM United manager Paul Warne has called for his side to get a “level playing field” when it comes to the rearrangement of their outstanding Championship games.
The Millers’ second coronavirus outbreak of the season saw games with Brentford, Luton Town and Coventry City postponed and there are currently no remaining free midweek slots to fit in the game against the Sky Blues.
The English Football League has presented them with two options, but one would mean they are playing Coventry – a relegation rival – with little recovery time.
Warne said ahead of this weekend’s trip to Bristol City: “We are at the stage with the EFL where we have been given two options. We selected one option that was preferable for me, they have come back and are saying they want us to take option two.
“We are saying that option two doesn’t look very fair, it would be a game on a Monday and a Wednesday. For us to be able to play on a Monday and a Wednesday seems very harsh, the team playing on the Wednesday gets four days’ rest and we get one.
“These are big games for us. I do understand the problem, it is not through choice, it is our games that have been postponed.
“I do understand the predicament but for us to get one day’s rest between games just seems inexcusable if there is another alternative.
“I do want a level playing field and for us to play every two days doesn’t
seem too acceptable.”
Birmingham City are one of the teams the Millers could overhaul if they win their games in hand and the Blues will be hoping to build on their midweek win over Reading in Lee Bowyer’s first game in charge when they visit Watford.
The Hornets are on a fast-track back to the Premier League, having won eight of their last nine games.
With the finish line in sight, boss Xisco Munoz is urging his players to remain focused.
“Our goal is amazing, nobody gives you anything for free, and to play next year in the Premier League is a big dream and it’s important for us,” he said.
Norwich City are hoping to make it a perfect 10 against Blackburn
Rovers and move a step closer to the Premier League.
The Canaries have won their last nine games to surge 10 points clear at the summit.
Swansea City need little motivation for their South Wales derby against Cardiff City in the evening kick-off.
Brentford will stake their claim for the automatic promotion spots in the early kick-off against Nottingham Forest, while there is a South Yorkshire derby at Oakwell between Barnsley and Sheffield Wednesday.
Coventry take on Wycombe Wanderers in a battle at the bottom.
Middlesbrough travel to face Millwall, Preston North End host Luton and Reading take on Queens Park Rangers.