Warburton: Rotherham tie good preparation for facing West Brom

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QPR boss Mark Warburton believes the visit of Rotherham in Saturday’s FA Cup third-round tie will be great preparation for next week’s crucial clash against West Brom.

The in-form Millers will travel to W12 full of confidence with just one defeat in 25 matches and sit top of League One and well placed for an instant return to the Championship.


Like West Brom, Paul Warne’s side play a direct and physical style, with big striker Michael Smith, who scored in Rangers’ 3-2 home win over Rotherham last season, the focal point of their attack.

Rangers boss Warburton is expecting a tough encounter against a side that comfortably beat his team 3-1 when they met in South Yorkshire last April on their way back down to League One.

“They haven’t changed their style from last year and I think they were unfortunate to go down,” Warburton said.

“They are always a tough team with their physicality, they are direct with Smith, Freddy Ladapo and Dan Barlaser in midfield, strong from set-pieces and you know the balls will rain into your box and we have to deal with it.

“It will be good physical test for the goalkeepers and the centre-halves.

“We have to get the balance right between defending our goal resolutely and making we play when we get the ball.”

This week West Brom signed giant American striker Daryl Dike, who worked with Baggies boss Valerien Ismael so successfully at Barnsley last season, and he will feature against Rangers next Saturday.

“West Brom are a highly talented squad who will be pushing high for promotion and we saw from the earlier game (at The Hawthorns) where set-pieces, any long throws will come into your box and you have to deal with that,” Warburton said.

“They have signed Dike who is a very physical number nine and this Rotherham game will be a good preparations for us.”

Jordan Archer is set to start in goal with Seny Dieng away on AFCON duty, and Warburton said the chance to use five substitutes will give some fringe players the chance of more game time.

“I’ve got 18 players for tomorrow (Saturday) so we will see what our options are,” he said.

“I can use up to five subs which makes it a little bit easier as I can look to rotate.”