Saturday Match File ... a focus on Rotherham United’s opponents

The Millers pulled of a memorable victory in the Oakwell fixture between the two League One teams in October to end a wait of more than half a century for a win on Tykes territory.

Barnsley were in the play-off reckoning early in the campaign but they have slipped away from contention and are now in 14th spot.

One to watch

Veteran attacker David McGoldrick was a target of Rotherham in the summer transfer window before he opted for a one-year deal with Barnsley. The former Sheffield United man is freakishly fit for a 38-year-old and has bagged 18 goals for the Tykes, 13 of which have come in his last 17 outings. McGoldrick's other previous clubs include Ipswich Town, Derby County and Notts County and he is closing in on 700 career appearances.

Form guide

Barnsley: DDDLDL

Millers: LDLLDL

Barnsley followed up a 1-1 draw at Burton Albion last Friday with an 3-0 Easter Monday defeat at home to Plymouth Argyle.

Sixty-six games between the clubs since 1919 have brought 21 wins for Rotherham and 28 for the Tykes.

Past meetings

Oct 25 2025, League One: Barnsley 0 Millers 1

Kian Spence

Aug 26 2025, Carabao Cup: Barnsley 2 Millers 1

Ar'Jany Martha

Feb 22 2024, League One: Millers 0 Barnsley 1

Nov 8 2024, League One: Barnsley 2 Millers 0

Apr 24 2021, Championship: Barnsley 1 Millers 0

Dec 29 2020, Championship: Millers 1 Barnsley 2

Michael Smith

Jan 28 2017, Championship: Millers 0 Barnsley 1

Aug 27 2016, Championship: Barnsley 4 Millers 0

Nov 19 2005, League One: Barnsley 1 Millers 1

Shaun Barker

Oct 25 2005, League One: Millers 0 Barnsley 1

Last clash

October 25 2025 brought arguably the best day of Matt Hamshaw's year-long managerial reign when Rotherham won on Barnsley turf for the first time since 1970. A superb second-half strike from Kian Spence did the damage.

Opposition boss

Conor Hourihane is in his first job in the hot-seat after a long, distinguished career as a midfielder that included spells at Plymouth Argyle, Barnsley, Aston Villa and Derby County and saw him play in the Premier League and win 36 Republic of Ireland caps. He took over as head coach last April - after a stint as interim charge following the sacking of Darrell Clarke – and, at the age of 35, is one of the youngest bosses in the EFL.

Man in the middle

Lee Swabey spent three years in the National League before making his EFL bow in August 2015. The Devon official's last experience of Rotherham came in September when the Millers were beaten 2-1 at AFC Wimbledon. A referee development officer with Cornwall FA, he has shown 83 yellow cards and sent off two players in 24matches this season.

The odds

The bookmakers are offering a Millers triumph at 17/10 and a win for the visitors at 27/20. A draw is 12/5.