Steve Evans and his team face an FA Cup replay for the right to play Doncaster or AFC Wimbledon in the next round.
GILLINGHAM V SUNDERLAND
The Emirates FA Cup first round replay
MEMS Priestfield Stadium
Tuesday November 19
Kick-off, 7.45pm
Team News:
The game might have come a few days too soon for midfielder Matty Willock (knee), although his recovery is going well.
Tommy O’Connor is still absent with the Republic of Ireland U21’s so Connor Ogilvie could continue at left-back, although Lee Hodson and Barry Fuller provide alternative options.
As for Sunderland they are without a few players due to international call-ups, while Joel Lynch, Jordan Willis and George Dobson are also unavailable.
Elliot Embleton, Charlie Wyke and Lynden Gooch continue to be absent, but Will Grigg has recovered from illness.
Manager Comments:
Steve Evans - “We know it’s going to be tough. The reality is they are one of the giants in League 1, have a brilliant squad of players to call on plus a very talented Manager in Phil Parkinson.”
Phil Parkinson - "We need pace and power at the top of the pitch to give us a chance to win games and we're working towards that. Obviously we had hoped to get the tie done and dusted in the first game.”
Previous Meetings:
Aside from the initial fixture at the Stadium of Light ten days ago, the clubs last met at the Stadium of Light in February where, despite a brave Gills performance, they were defeated 4-2 by the Black Cats, then under the management of Jack Ross who has recently gone to Hibs.
Sunderland won 4-1 in the reverse fixture at MEMS Priestfield Stadium. The clubs first meetings came in the 1986/1987 third division play-offs; they proved to be memorable encounters with Gills eventually prevailing on away goals following a 6-6 aggregate score.
Odds:
Gills win – 7/4
Draw – 11/5
Sunderland win – 6/4
Special Bet: Mikael Mandron to score first in a 2-1 Gills win – 40/1.
Officials:
Referee - Alan Young
Assistant Referee 1 - Garry Maskell
Assistant Referee 2 - Gregory Read
Fourth Official - Aji Ajibola