Steve Evans and his team set their focus on Lincoln City.
GILLINGHAM V LINCOLN CITY
MEMS Priestfield Stadium
Saturday November 16
Sky Bet League 1
Kick-Off, 3pm
Team News:
Matty Willock (knee) is unlikely to be named in the squad, although he has trained all week following a long-term problem. Tommy O’Connor is unavailable as he is currently with the Republic of Ireland U21 squad.
As for Lincoln, Cian Bolger is available once more after completing his three-match ban following his dismissal at Shrewsbury.
Manager Comments:
Steve Evans - “I don’t profess to know Michael but he is highly rated. I have come up against his teams on a few occasions when he was at Oxford and he did a really good job at West Brom as well. He is well regarded.”
Michael Appleton - “He certainly knows how to put winning teams together. He’s got a big job, similar to what I’ve got. It’s a game we’re more than ready for.
“Being the home team, they will be a dangerous side.”
Previous Meetings:
The clubs haven’t met for over eight years; the last clash occurring in April 2011 when the Gills won 4-0 at Sincil Bank thanks to goals from Josh Gowling, Cody McDonald and Adebayo Akinfenwa. An own goal was also scored in the process.
In total, the two clubs have met on 46 occasions. Of those, the Gills have won 19 games while Lincoln have secured 15 victories.
Odds:
Gills win – 6/4
Draw – 11/5
Lincoln – 17/10
Special Bet: Stuart O’Keefe to score first and Gills to win 2-0 – 105/1.
Officials:
Referee - Christopher Pollard
Assistant Referee 1 - Leigh Crowhurst
Assistant Referee 2 - Adrian Tranter
Fourth Official - Ryan Whitaker