Gaffer ready for West Ham challenge.
Gills boss Steve Evans is confident that if his side play to the best of their ability on Sunday then there is no reason why they cannot cause a cup shock.
Recent form has been good with the club unbeaten in eight home games in all competitions, defeating Sunderland and Doncaster Rovers in the opening two rounds. West Ham, who recently replaced Manuel Pellegrini with David Moyes, defeated AFC Bournemouth 4-0 on New Year’s Day and are set to field a strong side.
The Gills Manager believes that all the recent plaudits and run of results is testament to the belief and resilience of his squad.
Evans said: “The form in the last six weeks has been real hard work in getting to it, but the boys have worked so hard and they’re gaining the rewards. What you will get with David is that they will be very focussed; they will be strong.”
Despite their struggles this season, Evans knows just how dangerous the Hammers can be and he wants to see a strong team play at the MEMS Priestfield Stadium on Sunday.
He said: “I think they spent £150 million in the summer, and I want them to field those types of players. I want the Gillingham supporters to be able to see the West Ham players we see on Match of the Day for example.
“I want us to test ourselves and we know at the back of our minds if they come and they’re at it, they will be difficult to overcome.
“However, we also know that it’s the magic of the cup and if they come down and we’re at our best, then it’s cup shock time.”
The stadium will be a sell out on Sunday for the first time since 2013 the Manager is delighted to see that the town has caught cup fever.
He added: “Walking round the town the last few days, you get the sense of buzz.
“People start calling in for tickets, people trying to get twos and threes together but have got no chance. I think it’s the first sell-out for a while, but I think it’s brilliant.
“It’s brilliant for Gillingham Football Club, it’s brilliant for the town, we’re bringing West Ham United to Priestfield!”