Preview | Rochdale v Gillingham

Get the latest as Gills prepare for the trip to Spotland.

ROCHDALE V GILLINGHAM

Spotland

Sky Bet League 1

Saturday September 15

Kick-off, 3pm

Team News:

Gabriel Zakuani (shoulder) is doubtful for the game, although a decision is likely to be left until the last possible moment as to whether he can feature. Regan Charles-Cook (hamstring) and Billy Bingham (muscle strain) have both been ruled out but Dean Parrett (hamstring) is in contention for a return.

Josh Parker has returned from international duty and is available for selection.

As for Rochdale, Ryan Delaney is set to play having missed last week’s game, also due to international duty. Connor Randall and Josh Lillis could miss out, while Jordan Williams (knee) is a doubt.

Manager Comments:

Keith Hill – “I look at the squad and I’m quietly optimistic, not just with the face value of the squad – the players we’ve recruited and retained, but also with the players that are coming through.”

Steve Lovell – “There will be changes whether it be personnel and the way we set up. It’s all about the players and how they perform and what decisions they make.

“We’ve worked all the way through the season on how we want to play; I’ve had a positive response in training and let’s hope we get one on Saturday.”

Previous Meetings:

The clubs last met in January of this year when goals from Bradley Garmston and Lee Martin helped Steve Lovell’s side to a 2-1 win over the Dale at Priestfield.

The reverse fixture at Spotland resulted in a 3-0 defeat with Tom Eaves seeing red before the interval. Tomas Holy also saved a penalty in what was to be Ady Pennock’s final game as manager.

In total the clubs have met on 46 occasions. Both clubs have won 15 games each.

Betting:

Rochdale win – 17/20

Draw – 13/5

Gills win – 16/5

Special bet: Dean Parrett to score first in a 2-1 Gillingham win – 145/1.

For more odds and markets visit www.skybet.com/fl72

 

Officials:

Referee - Martin Coy

Assistant Referee 1 - Paul Newhouse

Assistant Referee 2 - Christopher Ward

Fourth Official - Thomas Harty

 

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