The BT Sport cameras are in town as Gills go head-to-head with West Ham.
GILLINGHAM V WEST HAM UNITED
The Emirates FA Cup Third Round
MEMS Priestfield Stadium
Sunday January 5, 2020
Kick-Off, 6.16pm
Team News:
Mark Byrne (knee) is out for the rest of the season with an ACL injury. Matty Willock (knee) is back in contention but this game might have come too soon for him. Otherwise, Steve Evans has a fully fit squad to choose from.
As for West Ham, David Moyes has some selection issues to resolve, particularly in goal with Lukasz Fabianski working hard to start between the sticks. He didn’t train on Friday but he will play if fit. Aaron Cresswell and Mark Noble also didn’t train Friday so they are both doubtful.
Michail Antonio is unlikely to feature, with Angelo Ogbonna also struggling.
Manager Comments:
Steve Evans - “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.”
David Moyes - “At the level he manages at, he has done a brilliant job everywhere he has been and has got Gillingham competing this year.
“It will not be easy, but I hope, with the quality and the players we have here, we will be able to get ourselves through.”
Previous Meetings:
The clubs haven’t locked horns since February 2005 when, in the Championship, West Ham left MEMS Priestfield Stadium with all three points with Marlon Harewood’s early effort proving enough to seal victory in a 1-0 win.
In the modern era we have only ever played West Ham on three other occasions, our only victory coming in September 2003 when goals from Marlon King and Trevor Benjamin helped guide Gills to a 2-0 win.
Odds:
Gills win – 19/4
Draw – 3/1
West Ham win – 8/15
Special Bet: Brandon Hanlan to score first in a 3-2 Gills win – 270/1.
Officials:
Referee: Andrew Madley
Assistant Referees: Daniel Robathan & Akil Howson
Fourth Official: Dean Whitestone