The Gills visit Sheffield United in Sky Bet League One on Saturday, January 21, 3pm kick-off
Sky Bet League One
Bramall Lane
Saturday, January 21
3pm kick-off
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Ben Toner
Assistants: Declan Ford and Graeme Fyvie
Fourth Official: Richard Wild
Ady Pennock’s side travel to league leaders Sheffield United on Saturday in Sky Bet League One.
Cash ticket sales will be available on the day at Bramall Lane from 1.30pm, albeit with an increase on the advance prices; full information is available here.
TEAM NEWS
Gills head coach Pennock confirmed that midfielder Jake Hessenthaler is in contention to return to the matchday squad on Saturday, after missing the defeat at Oldham due to illness.
Stuart Nelson took a knock to the face in the first half at the SportsDirect.com Park on Saturday, but Pennock praised the goalkeeper for carrying on.
“Fair play to him,” said Pennock. “He got back up and put his shirt on. People were saying that he didn’t want to mess up his hair, but what was more important was that he didn’t want to mess up the glue on his chin.
“He did ever so well and was brave to carry on, because it was a nasty cut.”
Defender Bradley Garmston returned to training this week following his hamstring injury, however Pennock stated that it would be too early to return to the matchday squad.
Goalkeeper Tomas Holy's participation depends on him receiving international clearance in time, meanwhile Pennock has no other injury concerns going into Saturday’s match.
THE OPPOSITION
Chris Wilder’s Blades sit top of the Sky Bet League One table with 56 points and have won six out of their last seven matches.
Full-back Daniel Lafferty looks unlikely to start at the weekend, after missing the defeat to Walsall on Saturday. The Northern Ireland international is eager to return to the starting line-up for the visit of Pennock’s team, however United manager Wilder expressed fears that the defender could face a long time out if he aggravates his back injury.
Joe Riley could make his debut for club, after completing his loan move from Manchester United earlier in the week. Despite being a predominately right-sided full-back, the youngster can also play down the left.
LAST TIME WE MET
Sheffield United visited Priestfield at the start of September in the Sky Bet League One where the Blades came away 2-1 victors.
Bradley Dack’s first half goal was cancelled out by a goal just past the hour mark via Kieron Freeman and a penalty in the 90th minute, converted by Billy Sharp.
The teams have met 27 times in total, with the Gills winning 10, drawing seven and losing 10.
FANCY A FLUTTER?
Blades win – 2/5
Draw – 19/5
Gills win–13/2
For all the latest match odds visit Sky Bet.
MATCH COVERAGE
GillsPlayer will have live match commentary from 3pm with Ben Watts 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.
SATURDAY'S SKY BET LEAGUE ONE FIXTURES
Bradford City vs Millwall
Charlton Athletic vs Scunthorpe United
Chesterfield vs AFC Wimbledon
Coventry City vs Fleetwood Town
MK Dons vs Northampton Town
Rochdale vs Oxford United
Shrewsbury Town vs Oldham Athletic
Southend United vs Bolton Wanderers
Swindon Town vs Peterborough United
Walsall vs Bristol Rovers