Blackpool vs Rotherham Prediction

Right then, let's talk about this League One tussle at Bloomfield Road. Blackpool, sitting 19th, welcome Rotherham, who are 21st. It's a proper scrap down the bottom, and both will be desperate for the points. But if you look at the recent form, one side has got a bit of wind in their sails, and the other's hit the buffers.

Blackpool are coming in with a proper spring in their step. In their last four league games, they've won three and drawn one. That includes a solid 2-0 win away at Wigan, a hard-fought 2-2 draw with high-flying Lincoln, and most importantly, a 3-0 demolition job on this very Rotherham side just a few weeks ago. They followed that up with a 1-0 win over Doncaster on Boxing Day. They're scoring goals (1.75 per game at home) and, crucially, their defence is tightening up – they've kept clean sheets in their last two league outings.

Rotherham, on the other hand, are in a right old rut. They're on a four-game losing streak in the league, shipping goals and not scoring many themselves. Since that 3-0 loss to Blackpool, they've lost 1-0 to Plymouth, 1-3 to Huddersfield, and 1-2 to Bolton. They've failed to score in their last two matches. Their away form shows they can score on the road (1.80 goals per game on average), but that fire has gone out lately.

Now, the history books will tell you Rotherham have had the upper hand, especially at Bloomfield Road where Blackpool have never beaten them in four attempts. But football's about the here and now, and that 3-0 win for Blackpool a fortnight ago changes the whole psychology of this fixture. Blackpool will believe they can do it again, and Rotherham's confidence must be on the floor.

When you look at the stats, Blackpool like to have the ball (59% possession at home) and create chances (over 14 shots per game at home). Rotherham, away from home, see less of it (just 39% possession) and take fewer shots. This feels like a game where Blackpool will control things and Rotherham will try to hit on the break, but their recent attacking output suggests they might struggle.

Key Points:

Blackpool are in better form, with 10 points from their last 4 league games.

Rotherham are on a 4-match losing streak in the league and have failed to score in their last two.

The most recent meeting was a comprehensive 3-0 away win for Blackpool.

Historically, Rotherham have dominated this fixture, but recent momentum is with the hosts.

• Blackpool average 1.75 goals per game at home; Rotherham concede 1.20 per game on the road.

In summary, this is a classic case of momentum versus history. The recent evidence is just too strong to ignore. Blackpool are playing with belief, Rotherham are stumbling. At home, with the crowd behind them, I fancy Blackpool to get the job done and make it two wins from two against the Millers this month.

My Bet: HOME_WIN at 2.12.