Steve Lovell to play a strong side against Oxford.
GILLINGHAM V OXFORD UNITED
Checkatrade Trophy Second Round
MEMS Priestfield Stadium
Tuesday December 5
Kick-Off, 7pm
Team News:
Manager Steve Lovell has said he will play a strong side for the visit of Oxford but could also use the opportunity to rest a few players with slight niggles.
The likes of Tom Eaves, Gabriel Zakuani, Lee Martin and Tomas Holy could all be rested ahead of a busy Christmas schedule with Alex Lacey and Ben Nugent both available for selection. Bradley Garmston (hamstring) is not fit, while Billy Bingham continues to recover from a broken bone in his lower leg.
As for Oxford Gino Van Kessel (hamstring) could come back into contention but Agon Mehmeti and Joe Rothwell will miss out.
Manager Comments:
Steve Lovell – “Players need to play and are desperate to play. I will see.
“I am approaching this game properly. It is another first team fixture and I will make sure the boys go out and put on a show.”
Pep Clotet – “We have been preparing for Gillingham the same way that we prepare for all games. Football is about close margins and every game is very difficult so you have to prepare well.”
Previous Meetings:
The clubs have already met once this season at the Kassam Stadium where the Gills slipped to a 3-0 defeat in Oxford; conceding three times in the space of 11 second-half minutes.
In total the teams have met on 42 occasions with Gillingham winning 18 fixtures and Oxford claiming 11 victories.
Odds:
Gills win – 19/10
Draw – 23/10
Oxford win – 7/5
Special: Josh Parker to score first in a 2-1 Gills win = 55/1
For more odds and markets visit www.skybet.com/fl72
Officials:
Referee: Charles Breakspear
Assistants: Marc Wilson and Ian Rathbone
Fourth Official: Ryan Atkin