We preview Saturday's visit of Northampton.
GILLINGHAM V NORTHAMPTON TOWN
Sky Bet League 1
MEMS Priestfield Stadium
Saturday October 21
Kick-off, 3pm
Team News:
Bradley Garmston and Mark Byrne are both back in contention for Steve Lovell's Gills side after being rested for Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with Wigan. Ben Nugent (ankle), Alex Lacey (knee) and Luke O’Neill (hamstring) are all unavailable.
As for Northampton they will be without striker Alex Revell who serves his final game of a three match ban.
Defenders Leon Barnett (Achilles) and Aaron Phillips (thigh) are doubtful, along with midfielder Matt Crooks (knee).
John Joe-O’Toole is back in contention for a starting place.
Manager Comments:
Steve Lovell – “We know how they will be feeling so it's important we start brightly and we need to prepare for all scenarios. You approach every game in the same way. We can't carry anybody, we are not in a position to do that."
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink – “We don’t want to look too far ahead and we are just taking it game by game but hopefully we can really start to kick on from here.
“Goals have obviously been a problem for us this season and we’ve spoken at length about the importance of everyone being able to contribute.”
We’ve met before:
The last time the two clubs met was on the final day of last season in dramatic circumstances. Gillingham had to win at Sixfields to guarantee survival, while a draw would only be enough if Port Vale failed to beat Fleetwood at Highbury.
Gills secured a 0-0 draw and had to wait for the final score at Highbury, which also resulted in a 0-0 draw, therefore preserving League 1 status for another season.
In total the two clubs have met on 110 occasions. Of those, Northampton have won 51 and Gillingham 40.
Odds:
Gills win – 7/5
Draw – 12/5
Northampton Win – 19/10
Special: Gillingham to win 3-1 with Tom Eaves to score first – 60/1.
For more odds click here.
Officials:
Referee - ROSS JOYCE
Assistants - Thomas Ramsey and George Warren
Fourth Official - Garry Maskell