Searching for a change in fortunes, Rotherham United play host to Exeter City at the AESSEAL New York Stadium on Saturday afternoon in round seven of League One.
The Millers have endured a challenging start to the campaign, with their only victory in the third division coming on the opening day. They now face the Grecians, who have been inconsistent but arrive with momentum after a convincing victory last weekend.
Read our Rotherham vs Exeter predictions and preview to find out, but remember to also check our other League Two predictions.
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Rotherham vs Exeter prediction: Low-scoring contest anticipated
Key stats:
- Five of the last six meetings between these clubs have produced under 2.5 goals.
- Rotherham have claimed one win and one draw from their only two home league fixtures this season.
- Exeter have suffered defeat in two of their last four visits to Rotherham.
- The Millers have scored first in their last two home matches against the Grecians.
Correct score prediction: Rotherham 1-0 Exeter
Matt Hamshaw’s men enter this game in need of a turnaround. Rotherham have lost each of their last three matches in all competitions, all of which came away from home. Back on familiar territory, where they have been steadier with one win and one draw, the Millers will see this as a chance to halt their slump.
Exeter, on the other hand, have struggled on their travels, drawing blanks in three of their four away fixtures. With confidence low for both teams, a narrow margin could prove decisive. A solitary goal may be enough for Rotherham, given the visitors’ attacking struggles on the road.
Pre-match odds and probability: Hosts favoured despite struggles
- HOME: 6/5 (2.20) – 45.5%
- DRAW: 12/5 (3.40) – 29.4%
- AWAY: 11/5 (3.20) – 31.2%
*Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes; subject to change.
Rotherham have been assigned a 45.5% chance of victory at odds of 6/5 (2.20), reflecting the influence of home advantage more than recent form. Exeter’s 31.2% likelihood at 11/5 (3.20) indicates the gap between the two sides is not vast, suggesting a competitive clash is expected.
Our recommended pick of “Home win or draw and Under 2.5 goals” is valued at 13/10 (2.30), which is a fair price given Exeter’s poor away record.
Most recent H2H: Stalemate in South Yorkshire
The most recent league meeting between these sides ended 1-1 at the AESSEAL New York Stadium last season, while the reverse fixture was won by Exeter. That leaves Rotherham aiming to end a two-match winless run in this head-to-head battle.
England League 1 15/03/25
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England League 1 10/08/24
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Rotherham are winless in their last seven games across all competitions in regulation time. Their sole success since the opening day victory against Port Vale came via a penalty shoot-out triumph against Salford City in the EFL Trophy, but that campaign ended earlier this week with a 1-0 loss at Bolton Wanderers.
In League One, Hamshaw’s charges have collected just four points from one victory, one draw, and three defeats, leaving them 19th in the standings.
The Millers will be without left-back Ar’jany Martha, who has joined the Curacao national team for international duty. New signing Thomas Holmes, recently loaned from Luton Town, remains a doubt after sustaining a knock.
Predicted XI: Dawson (GK), Rafferty, Baptiste, James, Kelly, Hall, Keleta, Gore, Powell, Hugill & Etete
Rotherham's last five matches
- 02/09/25: Bolton 1-0 Rotherham
- 30/08/25: Doncaster 1-0 Rotherham
- 26/08/25: Barnsley 2-1 Rotherham
- 23/08/25: Rotherham 2-2 Wigan
- 16/08/25: Cardiff 3-0 Rotherham
Exeter preview: Will Caldwell stick with winning formula?
Exeter City approach this fixture buoyed by a 3-0 victory over Peterborough United, a result that lifted them to mid-table with three wins and three losses from their opening six games. Gary Caldwell’s side occupy 11th place and will seek to climb further with a result in South Yorkshire.
The Grecians remain without Pedro Borges, Reece Cole, Sil Swinkels, and Johnly Yfeko. With no fresh injury concerns, Caldwell is likely to retain the same line-up that excelled last time out, led by Josh Magennis, who netted twice against Peterborough, and Jayden Wareham, who scored the other.
Predicted XI: Whitworth (GK), McMillan, Fitzwater, Turns, Niskanen, Brierley, Doyle-Hayes, Rydel, Aitchison, Magennis & Wareham
Exeter's last five matches
- 30/08/25: Exeter 3-0 Peterborough
- 23/08/25: Northampton 2-0 Exeter
- 19/08/25: Wycombe 0-1 Exeter
- 16/08/25: Exeter 1-2 Mansfield
- 13/08/25: Cheltenham 2-0 Exeter
Player to watch: Kion Etete
With injuries restricting Rotherham’s attacking options, Kion Etete has an opportunity to stake his claim. Last season’s leading scorer, Sam Nombe, remains sidelined, while Martin Sherif was recently forced off against Doncaster Rovers.
That leaves Etete well placed to lead the line, with Hamshaw likely to consider him in a two-man forward setup, and all eyes will be on the 23-year-old attacker to see whether he rises to the occasion.