The Gills travel to West Bromwich Albion in the Checkatrade Trophy on Tuesday, November 8, 7.45pm kick-off
Checkatrade Trophy
The Hawthorns
Tuesday, November 8
7.45pm kick-off
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Nigel Miller
Assistants: John Law and Richards Bartlett
Fourth Official: Danny Gratton
Justin Edinburgh’s team face West Bromwich Albion Under-21s on Tuesday evening in the Checkatrade Trophy. Tickets for this fixture cost just £5 for adults, but are only available to buy on the day at The Hawthorns – click here for more information.
TEAM NEWS
Bradley Garmston could feature against his former club after a long spell on the sidelines. The defender hasn’t featured in a competitive game since April, when the Gills travelled to Burton Albion on the penultimate day of the 2015/16 season.
Bournemouth loanee Baily Cargill could make his debut for the Gills in the Checkatrade Trophy tie. The defender signed on transfer deadline day in September, but has been out injured and training with the Cherries in order to get back to full fitness.
Speaking on Saturday, Edinburgh said that Tuesday’s fixture will be an opportunity for those who need game time.
“Bradley Garmston has worked hard, he is back in [training],” he said. “Baily Cargill we’ve been waiting on for a while. Ryan Jackson needs some minutes. It’s a great opportunity for some of the youngsters and some of the people needing it coming back from injuries, so it’s probably come at a good time for us.”
Neither the Baggies nor the Gills can progress in the competition; however, Edinburgh believes there are still positives to be taken from the fixture.
“For us, it serves a good purpose, and that is the way we will approach it.”
The manager also confirmed that it is unlikely that Bradley Dack, Scott Wagstaff and Chris Herd will make an appearance at the Hawthorns, while midfielder Elliott List is suspended after being booked in our two previous competition fixtures against Luton Town and Millwall.
THE OPPOSITION
Like the Gills, the Baggies lost their opening two group fixtures against Millwall and Luton Town, with both games finishing 2-0.
In their fixture against the Hatters, the senior quartet of Boaz Myhill, Jonas Olsson, Callum McManaman and Craig Gardner all played 90 minutes.
McManaman could have scored on 16 minutes, however failed to convert from the penalty spot, after Rakeem Harper was tripped in the box by Hatters defender Frank Musonda.
LAST TIME WE MET
April 2004’s Division One fixture saw second-placed West Brom beat Gillingham 1-0 at the Hawthorns, thanks to a Lee Hughes goal in the 79th minute.
The Baggies went on to gain automatic promotion to the Premier League a month later, finishing second behind champions Norwich.
There has never been a draw between the two sides, with the Gills winning just once and losing six of the seven matches played.
FANCY A FLUTTER?
West Brom win – 6/4
Draw – 12/5
Gills win–13/8
For all the latest match odds visit Sky Bet.
MATCH COVERAGE
GillsPlayer will have live match commentary from 7.45pm with Matt Cole and Peter Lloyd. To subscribe, click here.
The GillsWall will have interactive text commentary of the match, and the club’s social media channels will be bringing you live updates throughout the day.