Rotherham United vs Middlesbrough preview - Skarz the limit for Millers

Posted Friday, October 31, 2014 by PA

Rotherham will be without left-back Joe Skarz for the visit of Middlesbrough.

Skarz will miss his first Championship game of the season after picking up his fifth booking at Brighton last week and boss Steve Evans has a number of options to replace him including Kirk Broadfoot, Rob Milsom or changing his system completely.

Richard Wood is in contention after a lengthy absence due to a knee injury but is unlikely to earn a start while Richard Brindley (hamstring) remains sidelined.

Evans has a decision to make in attack, with Jonson Clarke-Harris, Jordan Bowery and Matt Derbyshire all competing for a starting spot alongside Alex Revell, who has scored three in three.

Grant Leadbitter will return to the Middlesbrough squad as manager Aitor Karanka looks to maintain the promotion pace.

The 28-year-old midfielder, who had a loan spell with the Millers in his youth, missed last weekend's 1-1 draw with Watford through suspension after reaching five bookings for the campaign, but is available once again for the trip to South Yorkshire.

However, full-backs George Friend and Ryan Fredericks could soon follow in his footsteps as they both head into the game with four yellow cards to their names.

Central defender Jonathan Woodgate remains on the sidelines as he continues to battle the thigh problem which has sidelined him for much of the season, although he is gradually making progress. Damia Abella, Muzzy Carayol (both knee) and Rhys Williams (Achilles) are still some way off returns.