GILLINGHAM FC V COVENTRY CITY: MATCH PREVIEW

We bring you the team news, management comments and latest odds ahead of Coventry's visit to Priestfield in Sky Bet League One

GILLINGHAM V COVENTRY CITY
Sky Bet League One
MEMS Priestfield Stadium
Saturday January 17
Kick-Off, 3pm

Team News:

The Gills management have a few injury concerns ahead of the weekend’s fixture. Joe Martin (calf) is likely to sit out while Josh Hare (knee) could be out for the rest of the season after picking up an injury earlier in the week.

Jack Sellens (leg) could miss the rest of the season too while Aaron Millbank (knee) and Callum Davies (ankle) remain long term absentees. Amine Linganzi (hamstring) and Aaron Morris (hamstring) are ruled out.

However new signing Bradley Garmston could be in line to make his debut after signing on loan from West Brom until February 14.

John Egan (foot) could return, however his fitness will be assessed prior to the game.

Tom Hadler and Devante McKain have returned from their loan spells at Tonbridge and Maidenhead respectively.

As for Coventry Reda Johnson and James Maddison are likely to miss out through injury. Jim O’Brien could also be absent with his wife expecting a child very shortly.

Marcus Tudgay has a hamstring strain but could be available, while Danny Pugh is definitely out as he awaits an operation.

Defender Aaron Phillips is also a doubt.

Management Quotes:

Mark Patterson said: “We have been preparing the team as well as we can this week, the spirit is good and any point picked up from this point on is a good one.

“Every game is a big game and we’ll be doing everything we can to achieve a favourable result.”

Steven Pressley said: “The club have had better weeks. We have to improve. There is a lot of work to do at this club.

“Gillingham have speed in wide areas and have Cody McDonald who will test us. Our main focus is on us tomorrow, to improve our performance from Monday.”

Previous Meetings:

The last time the two sides met was at the Ricoh Arena earlier this season when Frank Nouble netted the only goal in a 1-0 win for the hosts.

The previous meeting at Priestfield resulted in an entertaining 4-2 win for the Gills with Jake Hessenthaler scoring the `Goal of the Season` after an impressive 45 yard strike.

In total the clubs have met on 48 occasions. Of those Coventry have won 24, Gills have won 14 and the remaining 10 have been draws.

Betting:

Gillingham are 7/4 to claim maximum points while Coventry are the slight favourites to win at 6/4. The draw is at 23/10.

Cody McDonald is 11/2 to score the first goal while Simeon Jackson is 13/2 to net first for Coventry.

Special Bet: Doug Loft to score first in a 3-2 home win: 300/1.



Officials:

Referee - James Linington
Assistant Referee 1 - Andrew Laver
Assistant Referee 2 - Robert Whitton
Fourth Official - Dean Treleaven