Rotherham United's reporter Paul Davis previews the weekend's game at Macron Stadium
Paul Davis, Rotherham United writer for The Sheffield Star, speaks to bwfc.co.uk to preview the weekend’s game against the Millers at Macron Stadium.
bwfc.co.uk: What kind of form will Rotherham arrive at Macron Stadium in this weekend?
PD: The Millers will be better today than they were last time out (lost 1-4 at home against Charlton) because they couldn't be much worse! They have played well for the last few weeks, and their home form has been excellent, but the Charlton match was a collective off-day. During Neil Redfearn's reign they have usually managed to put a poor display straight behind them so hopefully that’ll be the case this weekend.
bwfc.co.uk: How has Neil Redfearn settled into his role at Rotherham?
PD: The Millers lost five of Neil’s first six matches in charge, so, heading into the November international break, there was plenty of pressure to improve results. Since then, Rotherham have won five times - including victories over Hull and Brighton - and have climbed out of the bottom three. They're a squad who can handle a battle.
bwfc.co.uk: How would you summarise Rotherham’s January transfer business?
PD: They have certainly strengthened during the January transfer window. Chris Burke and Andrew Shinnie bring genuine Championship class and experience and Luciano Becchio, if he can hit the form of his Leeds days, will be a huge signing. Chris already has his first goal, while Andrew was the Millers' best player in a half-hour cameo when he made his debut as a second-half substitute last week. Luciano hasn't quite reached full match fitness yet but his form in training and practice games suggests the goal touch is still there.
bwfc.co.uk: What are you expecting of Bolton today?
PD: When the two sides met on Boxing Day, the second half was great to watch if you were a Millers fan as Rotherham ran in four goals, but the first half had been really competitive. Bolton have some good players and you can only admire the way they have applied themselves given the off-field problems. I don't think they're an easy touch by any means. Sometimes teams really bond in adversity. I don't think anyone from Rotherham is expecting an easy game.
bwfc.co.uk: And finally, a score prediction for this afternoon?
PD: I never back against the Millers. I think Bolton have a reasonable record at home, given the circumstances, and I think Rotherham, at their best, can give most teams in this division a game. I hope I'm driving home working out how best to describe an exciting away win.
Paul is on Twitter, @paulm_davis.
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