Can Rotherham maintain their good form and win back-to-back games for the first time this season?

Rotherham United face a tricky trip to Deepdale as they face Preston North End in the Championship. Saturday’s encounter could see the Millers escape the bottom three and dreams of their second-tier survival could be reignited.

Following their emphatic triumph against fellow strugglers Derby County in midweek, Rotherham will be targeting consecutive wins in the Championship for the first time since November 2015.

That run included a surprise 1-0 victory at Elland Road as well as a 3-0 rout against Bristol City at the New York Stadium. It ultimately resulted in the Millers staying in the division – a feat that they haven’t been able to replicate in their two attempts since.

Paul Warne oversaw his team’s 3-0 victory over the Rams on Wednesday. Michael Ihiekwe, Michael Smith and Ryan Giles all got on the scoresheet late on to put the South Yorkshire outfit within touching distance of safety. The Millers now sit in 22^nd, just two points behind Birmingham with two games in hand.

Youngster Giles once again proved that his uninspiring form at Coventry shouldn’t define him. He has scored twice in just 68 minutes since moving to Rotherham United from Wolves until the end of the season.

His efficiency as an impact substitute in recent weeks could possibly compel Warne to hand the 21-year-old his first league start.

Their only other January addition came on deadline day when it was announced that Middlesbrough man Lewis Wing would be signing for Warne’s side on loan for the remainder of the campaign

The 25-year-old has struggled for game time under Neil Warnock so far this campaign; however, a change of scenery may give him the chance to show the Boro boss what he’s capable of.

Preston North End also had a noteworthy transfer window, leaving the majority of the excitement until the final hours. Many fans will argue that their squad has been severely depleted, and they face a downward trajectory heading into the second half of the season.

The biggest hole was undoubtedly left by tenacious midfielder Ben Pearson. His five-year stay at Deepdale finally came to an end as he put pen to paper on a deal that would see him move to Bournemouth for just under £1.5 million.

His replacement Ben Whiteman may not be able to provide sufficient coverage despite impressing for League One high-flyers Doncaster Rovers.

Moreover, key defender Ben Davies was sold to Liverpool; however, incomings Liam Lindsey from Stoke and  Sepp van den Berg from Liverpool should prove to be adequate replacements as they are well suited to Preston’s play style.

Alex Neil’s side go into this match on a relatively poor run of form after winning just once in their last five, as well as losing to 23^rd placed Sheffield Wednesday last weekend. Therefore, a win is crucial if Preston are to remain within touching distance of the top six.

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