Cheltenham Town Cheltenham Town Rotherham UnitedPlayer stats will appear once the competition begins.
Cheltenham TownNo absentees
Rotherham UnitedNo absentees
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Cheltenham Town vs Rotherham United is a 3pm kick-off at The EV Charger Points Stadium on Saturday, with the visitors marginally fancied following their drop from League One.
Both sides shipped goals freely last season, and with Rotherham dropping into the fourth tier as one of its bigger names, this has the look of an open contest. Andy Francis has the best bets, our score prediction and the head-to-head record below.
Premium Tips
Andy is siding with the goals, with two leaky defences meeting and Rotherham carrying a proven marksman in Paul Mullin.
| Premium Tip | Odds | Why we’re backing it |
|---|---|---|
| Rotherham to win and Paul Mullin to score anytime | 10/3 | Rotherham to win with Paul Mullin to score has a clear focal-point-forward route. Mullin returns to League Two with proven elite production: he scored 32 times for Cambridge in 2020/21 and 24 league goals in Wrexham’s 2023/24 promotion campaign. He has made an immediate impact at Rotherham, playing 62 minutes in the cup opener against West Brom and producing three shots, one on target and 0.46 expected goals. The newly appointed captain has joined with promotion ambition and the responsibility to lead the line. If Rotherham impose their greater experience, Mullin is the obvious central figure to turn dominance into the decisive goal. |
| Jili Buyabu Over 0.5 assists and BTTS – No | 7/4 | Jili Buyabu to register an assist with both teams not scoring is a high-upside game-script selection built around a controlled Rotherham away win. Buyabu advances from wing-back, supplies the decisive delivery and Rotherham protect the lead. The 23-year-old arrived after seven goals in 37 appearances for Forest Green, and is an attacking wing-back and key provider in the final third. He started the cup tie against West Brom, creating one chance and completing two crosses, which confirms his early attacking remit. Cheltenham conceded three at home to Charlton in their cup opener, so a Buyabu delivery converted by Rotherham’s new forward line is a plausible route to the combined outcome. |
18+ only. Please gamble responsibly. GambleAware — gambleaware.org · Odds correct at time of publishing.
How Cheltenham Town go into the game
Cheltenham had a difficult 2025-26, finishing 18th in League Two and conceding a hefty 79 goals. Tightening up defensively is the obvious priority if they are to climb the table this season.
The Abbey Business Stadium can be an awkward venue, and the hosts will fancy their chances of causing an in-transition Rotherham side some problems. Keeping it tight early, though, is easier said than done on this evidence.
How Rotherham United go into the game
Rotherham drop into League Two after a chastening League One campaign that ended in a 23rd-place relegation. As one of the bigger clubs at this level, though, they will be among the fancied sides for a swift return.
Paul Mullin gives them a genuine goal threat, and the Millers will back themselves to be competitive against most at this level. Adjusting quickly to the demands of the fourth tier will be the early challenge.
Cheltenham Town vs Rotherham United head-to-head
| Date | Home | Score | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02/11/24 | Rotherham United | 1-3 | Cheltenham Town |
| 22/01/22 | Rotherham United | 1-0 | Cheltenham Town |
| 02/10/21 | Cheltenham Town | 0-2 | Rotherham United |
The sides have met only occasionally in recent years, spending time in different divisions. Cheltenham won a 2024 FA Cup tie 3-1 at Rotherham, but the league meetings before that went the Millers’ way.
Cheltenham Town vs Rotherham United predictions & betting tips
| Our Prediction | Odds & Bookmaker | Confidence | Why We’re Backing It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Both teams to score -No | 4/6 | ⭐⭐⭐ | Cheltenham could struggle in the final third. |
| Paul Mullin anytime scorer | 7/4 | ⭐⭐⭐ | A proven marksman dropping down a level. |
| Rotherham to win | 7/5 | ⭐⭐ | Greater resources as they drop from League One. |
| Under 2.5 goals | 20/21 | ⭐⭐ | The opening day could lead to a tighter game. |
| Cheltenham 0-2 Rotherham | 12/1 | ⭐⭐ | Our headline scoreline for an away win with goals. |
Cheltenham Town vs Rotherham United score prediction
Cheltenham will make it awkward on home soil, but Rotherham’s greater resources and the presence of a reliable finisher in Mullin tip the balance their way. With both defences suspect, we expect goals at each end and the Millers to edge it. Score prediction: Cheltenham 1-2 Rotherham United.
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