Exeter v Millers (St James' Park) - Match preview & team news

Last updated : 23 November 2012 By Deano

Build up

The Millers are looking to bounce back from Tuesday's disappointing loss to Wycombe, whilst improving on their poor away record which has seen just one win on their travels so far.

Exeter's patchy home form could provide an opportunity for Evans' men to climb back into the promotion play off spots and with the table being so tight the strive for consistency is key. Paul Tisdale's men come into the clash with back-to-back wins though, including a superb victory at leaders Gillingham in midweek.

History

For complete Head2Head stats between the two teams down the years, click here.

Team News

The Millers will include new loanees Liam Ridehalgh and Jack O'Connell in their squad and welcome back Michael O'Connor into midfield after suspension.

Josh Morris has returned to Blackburn whilst Lee Frecklington, who has extended his loan until January, is missing with a back spasm. Johnny Mullins has been recalled from Oxford to help ease the Millers injury crisis and will play a part.

Elsewhere Daniel Nardiello will play upfront against his former club and should be partnered by Alex Revell who has shaken off a virus which saw him withdrawn in midweek.

Grecians defender Craig Woodman sits out the game through suspension whilst Arron Davies is missing with a hamstring problem, otherwise the home side should be unchanged. Veteran Jamie Cureton leads their attack.

The Gaffers

Paul Tisdale told BBC Radio Devon: "I believed we would get going at some point, and I believed the players felt they would get some results.

"We went into the Gillingham game quite confident coming off the resilience at Bradford with a 1-0 away win. But it counts for nothing if you play poorly in the next few games.

"When you get back-to-back wins, it gets you up the table and when you add the four points from the previous two games, it's a good return, 10 points from 12 and I'd like to make it 13 from 15."

Steve Evans told BBC Radio Sheffield: "Johnny Mullins hasn't just come back to play, he'll have to compete to get back into the first-team. We had some talent on display on Tuesday but we had square pegs in round holes and you can't win promotion with that.

"We know that going down there is going to be an extremely difficult afternoon for us."