Get the latest as Gillingham prepare for the journey north to Walsall.
WALSALL V GILLINGHAM
Sky Bet League 1
Banks’s Stadium
Saturday November 18
Kick-off, 3pm
Team News:
Gabriel Zakuani returns from international duty to be part of Steve Lovell’s first squad since being announced as permanent manager.
The centre-back could be joined by Ben Nugent (foot) who has recovered well since coming off against Portsmouth in early October.
The game has come too soon for Alex Lacey (ankle) but Bradley Garmston (hamstring) could make the journey. Mark Byrne has broken a bone in his hand but should be fine.
Billy Bingham (leg) and Aaron Morris (knee) are long term absentees.
As for Walsall, defender Luke Leahy could return to the line-up after suffering with a knee problem.
James Wilson is back from suspension after sitting out the FA Cup defeat at Newport having collected five bookings. Walsall skipper Adam Chambers is just one caution away from a suspension after picking up four bookings this season.
Manager Comments:
Jon Whitney – “Everyone is looking good and fresh.
“We trained really well on Monday and Tuesday so we’ve got a good group in.
“We’re looking to build on the last performance and see if we can get some points on the board and move up the league.”
Steve Lovell – “Walsall are a good passing side, they always have been and if we’re not on our game they will cause us problems.
"It’s a matter of taking opportunities when they come along, defending as a group and give 100%. Work on the things we do during the week. Be disciplined in and out of possession and if we do that we’ll be fine."
Previous Meetings:
The clubs last met in November 2016 when Gillingham clinched victory at the Bescot for the first time since 1992. Cody McDonald and Max Ehmer got the goals for the visitors with Jason McCarthy on target for the Saddlers.
In total the teams have met on 112 occasions. Gills have the edge on the head-to-head statistics with 46 wins to 43.
Betting:
Walsall win – 19/20
Draw – 5/2
Gills win – 14/5
Special bet: Josh Parker to score first in a 2-1 Gills win – 90/1. For more odds visit https://www.skybet.com/fl72.
Officials:
Referee - Andy Haines
Assistant Referee 1 - Nicholas Barnard
Assistant Referee 2 - Alf Greenwood
Fourth Official - Abbas Khan
SAT NAV: WS1 4SA