Newcastle vs Rotherham Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

With leaders Newcastle at home to bottom club Rotherham, there should only be one result and the odds reflect that with the Millers out at 11/1 for the win, which is as long as you are ever likely to find in this division. Newcastle have wobbled a bit in some recent games but with playmaker Jonjo Shelvey back from a 5-game ban, they should have little trouble slicing this weak Rotherham defence apart.

The former Swansea and Liverpool man is a key figure for Rafa Benitez’s side and he proved his worth again on his return in the FA Cup in midweek. Newcastle have already suffered 4 home Championship defeats this term, which is a major surprise but they still have a home win ratio of 67% and they should have too much firepower for the Millers. They’ve scored 2.17 goals per game on average at St James’ Park in the league and they are the division’s leading scorers by some margin with an average of 1.92 goals per game overall.

Dwight Gayle has scored 40% of their league goals this term and has 7 in his last 8 matches. However, the former Palace man is a major doubt here which could give summer signing Daryl Murphy a first Championship start for the club with Newcastle missing a few other attacking players. The Irishman has looked good when he has featured since recovering from his own injury, with 2 goals in his last 3 appearances and backing Murphy to score anytime at 5/6 looks to offer value here.

Paul Warne is doing about as good a job as could realistically be expected at Rotherham, who pulled off a shock win over Norwich last time out. That was at the New York Stadium though and their away record is absolutely dire. They’ve lost 12 of their 13 Championship away matches this season, collecting just a solitary point on their travels. The main problem has been at the back where they’ve let in 2.77 goals per game away from home.

62% of Rotherham’s away games have resulted in defeats by 2 or more goals and up against the leaders and title favourites, that seems probable again. Therefore, backing Newcastle -1.5 Asian Handicap at 3/4 looks to offer value.