ROTHERHAM, England (Interstat) — A crucial South Yorkshire derby with significant implications for the League One relegation battle is set for Saturday as Rotherham United hosts Barnsley at AESSEAL New York Stadium.

Both clubs enter the match mired in poor form, making the local rivalry a tense fight for vital points. The visiting Tykes are winless in their last four matches across all competitions, including a demoralizing 3-0 home defeat to Plymouth Argyle on Monday. Their recent record shows a single victory in their last eight outings.

The Millers’ situation is even more dire. Rotherham has failed to win any of its last nine league games, a staggering run dating to Feb. 28. The team has been shut out in six of those nine matches, including a 1-0 loss at Port Vale on Tuesday. Their offense has managed just three goals during this prolonged slump.

Recent head-to-head encounters offer a mixed preview. The teams have split their two meetings this season. Barnsley earned a 2-1 home victory last August, but Rotherham secured a 1-0 win at Oakwell in the most recent clash on Oct. 25.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the most likely outcome is a 1-1 draw. That result would extend both teams’ struggles but could provide a critical point in their respective fights to avoid the drop.

The fixture list offers little respite after Saturday. Barnsley faces a congested schedule with six more matches in April alone, starting with a trip to Port Vale next Tuesday. Rotherham’s April is similarly packed, with a visit to Wigan Athletic slated for next Tuesday.

Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. local time (1400 GMT) on April 11.

Barnsley’s Next Five Fixtures: April 14: at Port Vale (League One) April 18: vs. Bradford City (League One) April 21: at Stevenage (League One) April 25: at Luton Town (League One) April 28: at Northampton Town (League One)

Rotherham United’s Next Five Fixtures: April 14: at Wigan Athletic (League One) April 18: at Leyton Orient (League One) April 21: vs. Luton Town (League One) April 25: vs. Reading (League One) May 2: at Wycombe Wanderers (League One)