Rotherham United take on Wigan Athletic this evening in the first cup competition of the new season.
Like the Millers, Wigan were promoted to the Championship at the end of last season but as Champions while Paul Warne’s men had to do it via the Play-Offs at Wembley.
As the table stands after two games both sides have three points, Wigan being four places above the Millers thirteenth place on goal difference.
In this competition last season Rotherham got through the first round by beating Lincoln City at the New York Stadium but lost away to Premier League side Huddersfield Town in the second round. Wigan beat Blackpool at home in the first round going on to lose to Aston Villa in round two.
Saturday saw a late goal by Michael Smith give the Millers their first three points of the season at home against Ipswich Town while Wigan were on the wrong end of a three-two scoreline at Villa Park.
I think it’s fair to say that Paul Warne will rotate his squad for this game. I imagine that we will see Lewis Price in goal and Billy Jones and perhaps Sean Raggett in defence with Clark Robertson as back-up. It is expected that long time injury victim Jamie Proctor will get his first minutes of the season tonight although whether he starts or comes off the bench is unsure.
With Latics Manager Paul Cook already saying, ‘I wouldn’t want people to travel across and be disappointed with the team selection.’ we’ll take it that he means he will also be giving game time to members of his squad who perhaps wouldn’t play in the Championship.
Peter Bankes has the whistle for this evenings clash.
