Preview | Gillingham v Walsall

Gills back at home for Walsall test.

GILLINGHAM V WALSALL

The Medway Priestfield Stadium

Sky Bet League 1

Saturday January 19, 2019

Kick-off, 3pm

Team News:

Max Ehmer is back in contention for a start after coming off the bench late on during last weekend’s 3-2 win over Burton. Gabriel Zakuani and Connor Ogilvie have shaken off slight impact injuries but Billy Bingham and Dean Parrett are unlikely to be risked.

Barry Fuller however could be named as one of the substitutes. Tom Eaves should be fit enough for a place in the 18.

As for Walsall, Scott Laird could make his first start for his new club after arriving on loan from Forest Green Rovers. Another new face, Omar Mussa, is also pushing to start, having last week appeared as a substitute against Scunthorpe.

Adam Chambers (foot) misses out while Kory Roberts continues to recover from a broken leg.  

Manager Comments:

Steve Lovell - "Walsall are known to be a good footballing team, they always have been.

“We have to make sure we are ready for them and put on a good defensive performance.”

Dean Keates - “The players are an honest bunch and they know there have been too many individual errors.

“As soon as we can eradicate them we will get some points on the board.”

Previous Meetings:

In the reverse fixture earlier in the season Gills lost 2-1 at Walsall with Tom Eaves grabbing what proved to be a late consolation.

Prior to that, the clubs last meeting was on February 17 2018 at The Medway Priestfield Stadium, when Gills had to settle for a point in a 0-0 draw against The Saddlers. At the Bescot, Steve Lovell’s men won 1-0 thanks to a first-half effort from Conor Wilkinson.

Max Ehmer was sent off midway through the second period but Gills hung on for all three points.

In total the sides have met on 115 occasions. Gillingham edge the statistics with 47 wins to 44. 

Odds:

Gills win – 7/5

Draw – 23/10

Walsall win – 9/5

Special Bet: Elliot List to score first and Gills to win 2-0 – 45/1.

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

iFollow:

You can listen to live radio commentary from Priestfield by signing up to iFollow.

Our colleagues at BBC Radio Kent will be on hand to guide you through the action.

The various packages available can be seen here.

Officials:

Referee – Darren Drysdale
Assistant Referee 1 – Thomas Ramsey
Assistant Referee 2 – Richard Kendall
Fourth Official – Robert Whitton