Next Up: Rotherham United vs Exeter City

City’s topsy-turvy start to the season continued with a comprehensive 3-0 win over struggling Peterborough last Saturday, and with a raft of new signings (and no departures) on deadline day, Gary Caldwell has a number of options to choose from ahead of a trip to another side that has begun poorly. Danny Andrew, Akeel Higgins and Carlos Mendes Gomes may come straight into the matchday squad, with Andrew (who had played five times for Stockport before his short-term deal expired) the likeliest to come straight into the starting XI in the left-sided defender role with Sil Swinkels and Johnly Yfeko still injured. Another name that has been missing of late is Reece Cole, with another potential season of frustration looming if, like last season, he is unable to shake off what appear to be minor knocks quickly. Caldwell went with two strikers against Peterborough and with both Jayden Wareham and Josh Magennis getting on the score sheet he may continue with this formation.

Having dispensed with the services of the colourful Steve Evans towards the end of last season, Rotherham were hoping to atone for a disappointing campaign with the permanent appointment of Matt Hamshaw as manager, after he had overseen a relatively successful end to the season in an interim role. A win over promoted Port Vale on the opening day bode well, but a tricky run of games since has seen the Millers record just one further point in the league plus a penalty shoot out win over Salford in the EFL Cup. Unlike City, who have been able to enjoy a couple of blank midweeks, Rotherham have been playing two games per week in the last couple of weeks (although their League One midweek match against Burton was postponed due to Burton’s rearranged EFL Cup match). Their 1-0 defeat at Bolton in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday night was, however, an opportunity for Hamshaw to play a heavily rotated side, so most of his first choice team should be fit and firing. Hamshaw made no permanent signings on deadline day, with just Tom Holmes coming in on loan from Luton. In terms of City interest, Cameron Dawson has established himself as first choice with Dillon Phillips having moved to Hull, while Zak Jules is likely to line up in defence. Sam Nombe, who burst out of the blocks with both goals against Port Vale, limped out of the next fixture and hasn’t played since.

City enjoyed the better of things in this fixture last season, picking up four points. The corresponding match was a 1-1 draw, Alex Hartridge cancelling out the half time lead given to them by Reece James (not that one). Rotherham were full of optimism when they headed to the Park on the opening day, but Caleb Watts doused those flames with the only goal. That win closed the league head to head gap to 14-11 in Rotherham’s favour, while the draw at the New York Stadium made it nine in this fixture.

The match officials for this game will be:-

Referee: Martin Woods
Assistant Referees: Graeme Fyvie and Matthew Sowerby
Fourth Official: Paul Marsden

The last time Martin Woods took charge of an Exeter game was in March 2024 which City won 1-0 despite having Zak Jules sent off at half time for an incident in the tunnel. Martin took charge of 32 games last season showing 104 yellow cards and sending off five players.

Pre-match interview with Gary Caldwell

Interview with Jack Aitchison