If one thing is for certain, tomorrow’s encounter with the Merry Millers will not be as straightforward as some fans seem to think. However, what is really important is how the Blues’ players approach what has become yet another must-win game.

All the signs from Gary Rowett during his news conference were he had been drumming into them this is a banana skin game. And one we have frequently slipped on in past seasons. While we cruised past a below-par Coventry side at St Andrew’s last Saturday, I predict Rotherham will pose a sterner test.

Already relegated, they have nothing to lose, a new and extremely combative manager to impress and a debt to their long-suffering fans who have witnessed a sorry season. Since beating Millwall, ironically enough on April Fools’ Day, they’ve played three, lost three, scored zero. In fact, their only goals during the last eight matches came in that 2-1 win against the Lions, although they did manage a 0-0 draw with our rivals Huddersfield during that sequence.

It seems the biggest threat to Blues is themselves and how they approach the fixture. We’ve been here before this season haven’t we? Despite Gary Rowett’s caginess and suggestions he could shake the team up, I expect the same line-up which took the Sky Blues apart to start this one, barring any injuries.

Can Blues recapture the form we showed last Saturday, at the New York Stadium? It will again boil down to desire, work rate and how clinical we are in front of goal. One sobering stat is we have only won two or more matches on the bounce on three occasions this season, our best being a three-game winning streak back in August.

Another run like this is required to guarantee survival and the hard work will begin in earnest tomorrow. Our away form, despite our magnificent support on the road, is a meagre three wins and 12 points all season. The second worst only to tomorrow’s opponents.

Blasé we should not be. Determination and focus is what is required. So buckle up Bluenoses and get the prayer beads out. This is Blues, we never do things the easy way and I think it will be a more thrilling encounter than we would wish for.

My prediction: Rotherham 1 Blues 2

Last six meetings:

02.12.23 – Blues 0 Rotherham 0

11.03.23 – Blues 2 Rotherham 0

27.08.22 – Rotherham 2 Blues 0

18.04.21 – Rotherham 0 Blues 1

26.09.20 – Blues 1 Rotherham 1

22.04.19 – Rotherham 1 Blues 3

KRO

Jez Hemming