Preview | Gillingham v Accrington Stanley

Scott Robertson could return for Gills as Accrington make the long journey to Kent for midweek clash.

Gillingham v Accrington Stanley

Sky Bet League One

MEMS Priestfield Stadium

Tuesday December 15

Kick-Off, 5.30pm

Team News:

Jacob Mellis could miss out on Tuesday’s game as he continues to step up his return to full fitness, however his condition will be monitored up until the last possible moment. The manager has said that Jordan Graham will only feature if there is no doubt regarding his fitness.

Trae Coyle and Zech Medley are both in contention after coming off the bench against Doncaster on Saturday. Josh Eccles is also pushing for a start.

Ross Sykes and Mo Sangare are both missing for Accrington. John Coleman could make changes after his side lost to Wigan 4-3.

 

Manager Comments:

Steve Evans - “This will be a really tough encounter. Accrington are a quality team with good players and have started the season impressively.

“Jacob will need more training and match minutes to get up to speed but should be available. Jordan, we will see how he is on the grass tomorrow, but if there’s any doubt then he’s out.”

Kyle Dempsey - “For us, for the fans’ sake, we want to put things right on Tuesday. We have to have a real go.

“We have to give one-hundred-and-ten percent against Accrington and show the fans what we are about. We need a performance with commitment and desire. We need to put it right and get the three points. We have to show the mentality and the focus to get back to winning ways. Negativity only leads to negativity; we have to stay positive and then positive things will happen.”

John Coleman - “Steve has always produced good, winning sides. They have been on a good run, similar to us, and then they lost to Doncaster on Saturday. 

“He was quite critical of his team’s performance in the first half and then they did improve in the second half and I have watched bits of the game and he is probably accurate with his reflection.

“We know the style of football they are going to play and we have got to try and find a way to combat that.”

 

Previous Meetings:

26/10/2019 - Accrington Stanley 0-1 Gillingham - Sky Bet League One

29/01/2019 - Gillingham 0-0 Accrington Stanley - Sky Bet League One

04/08/2019 - Accrington Stanley 0-2 Gillingham - Sky Bet League One

23/03/2013 - Gillingham 1-0 Accrington Stanley - League Two

24/11/2012 - Accrington Stanley 1-1 Gillingham - League Two

The last meeting between the two sides came in October of last season, and Gills were victorious on the day. Regan Charles-Cook scored the winning goal just short of the hour as Steve Evans’ side won 1-0.

Gillingham’s last win against Accrington at the MEMS Priestfield Stadium came during the League Two title winning season under Martin Allen. Matt Fish was the scorer on the day, and his goal would end up being one of the goals of the season leaving the Stanley keeper with no chance.

There have been 14 games in all competitions, and Gills lead the head-to-head with seven wins to four. There have also been three draws between the two sides in this fixture.

 

Odds:

Gillingham win - 17/10

Draw - 11/5

Accrington Stanley win - 6/4

Special Bet: Dominic Samuel to score first and Gillingham to win 2-1 - 33/1.

 

Match Officials:

Referee: Andy Woolmer

Assistants: Lee Venamore and Matthew Lee

Fourth Official: Graham Kane

 

iFollow:

Gills season ticket holders can watch the game completely free of charge provided the email address used to access the iFollow platform matches the one on the club database. If you are not sure which email is registered then please contact us on ticketoffice@priestfield.com.

Once logged in, access the match centre approximately half an hour before kick-off and you should be able to click a "Watch Now" icon which will give you the feed to the live pictures. Just before kick-off you should also receive audio from BBC Radio Kent.

For more information on the change to the iFollow system, click here.

If you are not a season ticket holder then you can watch the game for a one off fee of £10! Click the below graphic to process your video match pass order.