Old boss Steve Evans' prediction for Rotherham United this year

Steve Evans during his time with the Millers

Evans brings Gillingham to AESSEAL New York Stadium tonight to face his old club who occupy pole position in the division.

His Gills team have been hit hard by injuries, haven't won in nine games and are in 21st spot.

The boss, who won successive promotions from League Two to the Championship with the Millers in 2013 and 2014, said: "It is our toughest game of the season.

"They have got multiple options in their squad. They are big, they are strong, they will be organised and efficient. Rotherham are a tough gig for us. They are a team who, for me, will be champions.

“They went to Ipswich Ipswich Town, who have top, top players, and I watched the full re-run of that game. They won 2-0 and it could have been much more.

"Our task will be difficult. They are not just winning games, they are sweeping teams aside.

“I would rather be going there with my full group but I am not. We will represent Gillingham, Medway and Kent with as hard a working performance as we possibly can."

Rotherham manager Paul Warne believes Gillingham, who were without a game last weekend and were unlucky to lose 1-0 to a last-minute goal against Portsmouth in their most recent fixture, are in a false position.

"It's a home game against a team that have been on the wrong end of a few decisions recently," he said.

"I saw their game against Portsmouth and they played really well. Their players are going to run hard and fight hard for their manager.

"Hopefully we can get three points against a team who are down there fighting and are missing a few players, although they might have a couple back against us. It will be a really tough game."

Warne was fitness coach during the New York reign of Evans and his assistant, Paul Raynor, between 2012 and 2015.

The Millers are unbeaten in their last 18 matches and the boss recognises the potential for an upset this evening.

He said: "This is a 'banana skin' game for us: a match against a side that haven't won in ages against one on a really good run. I've had my eye on this for a few weeks, thinking: 'Oh no, that's coming up.'

"I have to make sure the lads don't under-estimate the opposition. Gillingham have played really well but have been unfortunate in games. They should have had a penalty against Portsmouth and the Portsmouth keeper should have been sent off.

"I'm well aware of Steve's and Paul's attributes. I'm sure they'll get Gillingham out of the situation they're in."

Meanwhile, Evans paid tribute to the Rotherham ground built by chairman Tony Stewart in 2012.

“It is a mini Emirates Stadium," he said. "It is a stunning place to go and play football, whether you are the home side or the opposition."