Leeds United fans will be gutted after their last game where they conceded a late goal against Aston Villa to let them salvage a draw. Jonathan Kodija’s goal from the spot denied two points for Leeds but Monk will be keen to start the New Year with a win. Their opponents on Monday 2nd January, are Rotherham who are rooted at the rock bottom of the table and it should be a straight-forward task for the Whites.
Leeds United head into the visit of Rotherham United knowing that it is absolutely vital for them that they get back to winning ways after what they would have felt to be two points dropped on Thursday evening. There is a strange aura of optimism at Elland Road this season which is quite understandable. By this time in the last few seasons, their campaign got practically over as they find themselves around the 16th spot from where they can neither achieve promotion nor face the drop.
Monk has been able to restore the faith in the fans that they can once again reclaim their spot in the top tier of English football and he has done it in such a short amount of time. Rotherham United go into the trip to Elland Road hoping that they can cause an upset and come away with a shock three points on Monday.
The Millers looked down and out at the start of the month when they were rock bottom of the table and miles away from safety. The month of December was somewhat better for them as they managed to put an end their 15-game winless streak. Their December fixtures have seen them win twice and lost 4 times in the 6 games played. An inspiring win against Leeds to begin the New Year could help them come up a with a second-half fightback but chances of that happening are very thin.
Rotherham have a strong record against Leeds winning 5 of their 10 previous games, they have drawn twice and lost 3 games to Leeds. We have to wait and see how this one turns out.
Team news
Leeds United
Kyle Bartley is expected to make a return from injury. Fellow defender Charlie Taylor will once again be assessed ahead of the game having missed the last two games with an Achilles injury. Pablo Hernandez and Chris Wood are both pushing for a start after coming off the bench in the last two games following his recovery from a hamstring injurie. Lewie Coyle remains a long-term absentee. Eunan O’Kane still needs few more days of training to return..
Rotherham
Rotherham will hope Kelvin Wilson is available after he missed the defeat to Burton Albion on Thursday through illness. Scotty Allan is also back in training after injury and he could come into the squad. Lee Camp and Johnson Clarke-Harris remain on the sidelines through injury.
Predicted lineups
Leeds United (4-2-3-1): Green; Ayling, Jansson, Bartley, Berardi; Phillips, Bridcutt; Sacko, Roofe, Dallas; Wood.
Rotherham (4-4-1-1): Price; Fisher, Wood, Belaid, Mattock; Forde, Adeyemi, Frecklington, Newell; Brown; Ward.
Odds
Leeds win @1/5
Draw @5/1
Rotherham win 17/1
