Changes possible as Gills entertain Swindon in the early kick-off at ME7.
Gillingham v Swindon Town
Sky Bet League One
MEMS Priestfield Stadium
Saturday December 5
Kick-Off, 1pm
Team News:
Steve Evans confirmed on Friday that Jacob Mellis is progressing nicely with his recovery, and could be back before the end of 2020. Stuart O’Keefe is on schedule to be back in February having suffered a broken leg against Coventry City in the Carabao Cup earlier in the year.
Jordan Graham is likely to miss Saturday’s game (hamstring), whilst Zech Medley could return to the match day squad after recovering from a knock during the win over AFC Wimbledon.
Tyler Smith and Diallang Jaiyesimi will both be in line to start Saturday’s game as Swindon continue to suffer an injury crisis. Centre back Tom Broadbent may also continue to play up front as Swindon struggle for options in attack.
John Sheridan may rotate his squad to keep players fit, so that could mean the likes of Dion Conroy, Taylor Curran and Jordan Stevens all start the game.
Manager Comments:
Steve Evans - “We’re focussed on Swindon. We’re focussed on the challenges that will bring us. It will bring us a different challenge to Bristol Rovers, a different challenge to Charlton in recent weeks, but a challenge nonetheless.
"We have a terrific group who believe in each other.
"Swindon are a terrific side who play some wonderful Football. They have an attack minded coach in John Sheridan; they will come to us and try to secure lots of the ball.
"They are a dangerous opponent."
Vadaine Oliver - “The games are coming thick and fast. We have set the standard now, so we need to go again against Swindon and do the same.
“Swindon is going to be a tough game. No game in this league will be easy this season. If we put in a performance like we did on Wednesday then I don’t see why we can’t get three points.”
John Sheridan - “We’re so short of numbers, and you could see that by the kids who were on the bench. I’ve got Dion Conroy on the bench too who hasn’t played for I don’t know how long.
“So many players are playing Saturday-Tuesday, and they shouldn’t really be involved. Broadbent, I’ve had to play up front again because we’ve got no other choice.”
Previous Meetings:
28/02/2017 - Swindon Town 3-1 Gillingham - Sky Bet League One
16/08/2016 - Gillingham 1-1 Swindon Town - Sky Bet League One
06/02/2016 - Gillingham 0-0 Swindon Town - Sky Bet League One
26/12/2015 - Swindon Town 1-3 Gillingham - Sky Bet League One
03/03/2015 - Swindon Town 0-3 Gillingham - Sky Bet League One
The last meeting at the MEMS Priestfield Stadium ended in a 1-1 draw between the two sides. A Rory Donnelly goal cancelled out a Michael Doughty penalty with both goals being scored in the second half.
The last time Gillingham defeated Swindon was on Boxing Day 2015. Jonathan Obika had put Swindon in the lead, but seconds later Bradley Dack equalised for Gills. Jake Hessenthaler then put Gills in front later in the first half, and Ryan Jackson got a third with a little over 20 minutes to go as it capped off a famous victory.
This will be the 99th fixture between the two clubs with Swindon winning 36 games to Gillingham’s 32. There have also been 30 draws.
Odds:
Gillingham win - 13/10
Draw - 5/2
Swindon Town win - 9/5
Special Bet: Vadaine Oliver to score first and Gillingham to win 3-1 - 60/1.
Match Officials:
Referee: Darren Drysdale
Assistants: Christopher Wade and Mike Desborough
Fourth Official: Paul Howard
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.
