Rotherham United play host to Millwall on Easter Monday knowing that they realistically require all three points to put off relegation from the Championship for another few days.
Meanwhile, Millwall appear to be on the cusp of escaping a battle to avoid the drop, the Lions now in 16th position in the standings.
While Rotherham have reached a stage where relegation to the third tier is all but confirmed, Leam Richardson will be demanding far more from his side than he got on Good Friday.
Preston North End were able to breeze to maximum points at Deepdale courtesy of three goals scored during a 20-minute period during the first half.
Although no further strikes were conceded after the break, Rotherham again failed to get on the scoresheet, with the Millers having now gone well in excess of 500 minutes since doing so.
There is now a 19-point margin to safety with seven games remaining, but that is effectively immaterial as Richardson and his squad fight for their future roles at the club.
Despite the fact that 16 of Rotherham’s 20 Championship points this season have come at the New York Stadium, their most recent success dates back to Boxing Day.
Millwall were formerly considered direct relegation rivals to Rotherham, but the appointment of Neil Harris has resulted in an unexpected turnaround in fortunes.
The returning club great has 11 points from his first six games in charge, with the lone setback coming by a 2-0 scoreline at Leeds United before the international break.
Harris’ team recovered from their disappointment on Friday, drawing 1-1 at home to West Bromwich Albion, leaving them five points clear of the bottom three.
There are enough games against direct rivals to keep Millwall in the relegation zone for the time being, but victory in Yorkshire on Monday would put them on the verge of starting to plan for 2024-25.
Rotherham United’s Championship form suggests that Richardson may make changes to his starting lineup, with Cohen Bramall, Andy Rinomhota, and Tom Eaves vying for recalls.
Shane Ferguson may also return, with Richardson mulling a back-three formation.
As for Millwall, Harris is only likely to change his starting eleven if he wants to bring in some fresh legs.
Brooke Norton-Cuffy and Ryan Longman are the most likely candidates to be recalled, while Dan McNamara might play fullback.
Kevin Nisbet will be missing again due to injury, which could mean Zian Flemming and Michael Obafemi hold their spots in attack.
Rotherham United’s likely starting lineup: Johansson; Peltier, Odoffin, Humphreys, Bramall; Nombe, Lindsay, Rinomhota, Clucas, Ferguson; Eaves.
Millwall’s likely starting lineup: Sarkic; Leonard, Tanganga, Cooper, Bryan; Norton-Cuffy, Mitchell, Saville, Longman; Obafemi, Flemming.
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