A new year kicks off with a trip to Plymouth.
Plymouth Argyle v Gillingham
Sky Bet League One
Home Park
Saturday January 2
Kick-Off, 3pm
Team News:
Vadaine Oliver is in contention to return to the starting 11 having come on as a substitute against Northampton Town in midweek. Matty Willock could also start after having a positive substitute appearance during Tuesday’s defeat.
Jordan Graham continues to regain match fitness following a hamstring problem but may well be fit enough to be on the bench. Henry Woods has had an operation recently and so is unlikely to be available for a couple of weeks. Dominic Samuel is definitely out, while Jacob Mellis continues to be assessed.
Ryan Lowe is unlikely to tinker with his side too much despite the defeat to Oxford United. Panutche Camara should keep his place in the starting 11 having scored during the loss.
Frank Nouble could start on Saturday with the former Gills striker coming off the bench in the 3-2 defeat.
Manager Comments:
Steve Evans - “We are not defeatists and we are not down. We will go to Plymouth and try and achieve a positive result. You have to fight to win.
“Our job is to go to Plymouth and try and put something on the pitch that will give us hope of getting something.
“It will be difficult; they are a good team. I have a lot of respect for Ryan Lowe. I know three or four of their players personally. They have some real good quality but if you live and fight, then you have a chance.”
Kyle Dempsey - “We need to show some real character against Plymouth, we have a point to prove. We need to show a real determination to get three points. We need to bounce back and put Northampton behind us. We have to put all our focus into the new year and put things right."
Ryan Lowe - “We know what kind of teams Steve brings. He’s very on the front foot, he’s lively himself in the technical area, he’s a winner and he’s a leader.
“But so are we. We’re leaders in different ways, and we’ve not got to worry about Steve or me. It’s about two teams locking horns for three points and that’s what it’ll be.”
Previous Meetings:
19/04/2019 - Gillingham 3-1 Plymouth Argyle - Sky Bet League One
23/10/2018 - Plymouth Argyle 3-1 Gillingham - Sky Bet League One
05/05/2018 - Gillingham 5-2 Plymouth Argyle - Sky Bet League One
09/12/2017 - Plymouth Argyle 2-1 Gillingham - Sky Bet League One
11/08/2015 - Plymouth Argyle 1-2 Gillingham - League Cup
The last meeting between the two sides came during the 2018/19 season with the Gills winning thanks to a second half comeback at the MEMS Priestfield Stadium. Freddie Ladapo gave Plymouth the lead, but goals from Regan Charles-Cook, Mark Byrne and Brandon Hanlan secured all three points for Steve Lovell’s side.
Gillingham’s last win at Home Park came in August 2015 during the reign of the late Justin Edinburgh. Craig Tanner gave the hosts the lead with a little over 10 minutes to go, but two goals in the final five minutes from Bradley Dack and Jake Hessenthaler put Gills into the next round of the League Cup.
Plymouth edge the head-to-head statistics with 33 wins to 30 in all competitions, there have also been 16 draws.
Odds:
Plymouth Argyle win - 5/4
Draw - 23/10
Gillingham win - 2/1
Special Bet: Kyle Dempsey to score first and Gillingham to win 2-1- 50/1.
Officials:
Referee - Sam Allison
Assistants - Adam Ricketts and Kevin Morris
Fourth Official - Brett Huxtable
iFollow:
All UK subscribers can watch Saturday’s game for a one-off fee of £10! Click here, or the below graphic to purchase your match pass.
