Rovers reporter Rich Sharpe highlights three things to consider for Tony Mowbray ahead of the visit of Rotherham United. 

FINDING FLUENCY

Rovers are chasing a third successive home win, but will hope to be more threatening than they were against QPR.

Indeed, only one side, fourth placed Middlesbrough, in the top 14 have scored fewer home goals than Rovers’ nine, with three coming from the penalty spot, and only four from open play.

Just four teams have had fewer shots at goal in home matches than Rovers (99) with an average of 3.9 shots on target per game.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Quite surprisingly, no team has attempted more long balls in their home matches than Rovers, averaging 86 per game. They have had 253 successful long balls, and 431 unsuccessful (the second most). Only two sides have had more unsuccessful short passes than Rovers (567) at home.

Whether a change in personnel or approach, Rovers will certainly aim to test Rotherham goalkeeper Marek Rodak more than they did QPR stopper Joe Lumley last weekend. 

MIDFIELD MAKE-UP

Corry Evans will serve his one match suspension after picking up a fifth booking in the win over QPR so Tony Mowbray will be forced in to at least one change. While Jack Rodwell and fit-again Jacob Davenport are possible alternatives, Harrison Reed is the most likely replacement.

In turn, that would open up a spot on the right of midfield. Ryan Nyambe’s return could allow Elliott Bennett to take his more familiar role on the right-wing, a position in which he caused countless problems in this fixture last year as Rovers ran out 2-0 winners. 

Lancashire Telegraph:

Mowbray tends to go with one wide striker, and a more conservative option on the other wing. But could the boss switch that up here, and go with Adam Armstrong on one flank and possibly Ben Brereton, Kasey Palmer or Joe Rothwell on the other.

Rothwell would add more pace, Palmer more creativity, and Brereton a more out-and-out attacking option. 

The positive for Mowbray is he's building a squad to give himself these choices. 

RAYA RETURN?

There is the possibility of David Raya, with the aid of a protective mask, returning to action just two weeks after suffering a facial injury in the draw at West Brom.

Jayson Leutwiler was handed the gloves against QPR, his first action since April, and enjoyed a particularly comfortable afternoon.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Raya is undeniably Rovers No.1 and Mowbray will be keen to have him back should the opportunity be available to him.

But given this game is followed by a two week international break, could Rovers afford the Spaniard more recovery time?

Whoever does play will need to be strong, and alert, to Rotherham’s set piece threat, with six of their 13 goals coming from that route, as well as four penalties.