PREVIEW: GILLS V SOUTHEND

Both sides meet for a second time in the space of four days.

GILLINGHAM V SOUTHEND UNITED

Checkatrade Trophy

MEMS Priestfield Stadium

Tuesday August 29

Kick-Off, 7.45pm

Team News:

Ady Pennock has suggested he will make changes for tonight’s fixture with Steve Arnold set to make his debut in goal. Due to EFL regulations the management are slightly limited as to how many players they can bring in, however Scott Wagstaff and Conor Wilkinson could return with Ben Nugent fit to start if required.

Gabriel Zakuani is away on international duty with Congo, while Southend’s Jason Demetriou has joined up with Cyprus so he will miss the game too.

Ben Coker, Michael Turner and Rob Kiernan remain out for the Shrimpers. Amadou Ba and Jack Bridge are both pushing for starting positions.

Management Comments:

Ady Pennock – “There will be opportunities for other players because it’s a good competition and it’s a chance for them to show us what they can do.

“We’ve got to build and make people feel proud of us.”

Phil Brown - “We have to keep on working and getting people to put their bodies on the line.

“I don’t want to change the personnel because I think we’ve got a good team, but the bottom line is we can’t keep on conceding rubbish goals and we have to be killing teams off. “

Odds:

Gillingham – 12/5

Draw – 13/5

Southend – 21/20

For more odds please visit https://www.skybet.com/football/checkatrade-trophy/event/21164696

Please be aware if the scores are level after 90 minutes a penalty shootout will determine the winner, with the new `ABBA` format being used.

Tickets:

Supporters can book their seats up until kick-off by visiting the club’s ticket office on Redfern Avenue. Visiting fans can pay on the away turnstiles, cash only.

Officials:

Referee - Andy Haines

Assistant Referee 1 - Thomas Ramsey

Assistant Referee 2 - TBC (replacing Dean Treleaven)

Fourth Official - Anthony Da Costa