Kyle Dempsey, Alex MacDonald, Ben Reeves and Ryan Jackson battling to be fit for weekend trip to Devon.
Plymouth Argyle vs Gillingham
Sky Bet League One
Home Park
Saturday August 14
Kick-Off, 3pm
Team News:
Gills are likely to make changes for Saturday’s trip to Plymouth following Tuesday's game at Crawley. Jamie Cumming, Jack Tucker, David Tutonda and Vadaine Oliver are all expected to be recalled to the starting XI.
There will be late fitness tests for John Akinde, Ryan Jackson and Robbie McKenzie as they all look to be involved for their first game of the season. If Jackson and McKenzie are unavailable, Harvey Lintott could make his first league start at right-back following a solid performance against Crawley. Ben Reeves could also feature against his former club.
Plymouth’s Danny Mayor will be hopeful of being fit for the game after being forced off with thigh tightness during the first half of the Carabao Cup win against Peterborough.
Jordan Houghton, a former Gills loanee, has started the first two games for Argyle and is likely to start again on Saturday. Adam Randell has been used as a second half substitute in both games and will likely occupy the bench again against the Gills.
Manager Comments:
Steve Evans - "Saturday has all the makings of a good game. Plymouth will provide a tough test. There will be a few fitness tests beforehand.
"I respect Ryan Lowe as a manager and a coach; we have a lot of similar beliefs.
"I am sure he will continue to have success at Plymouth. We will have a tough task on Saturday, but we will embrace it."
Ryan Lowe - "It's in my mind that we could play a 3-4-3; I don't like singling any of them out but Jordy [Jordan Houghton] has been fantastic since he has come here. He's a silent leader as well, which always helps."
Previous Meetings:
09/05/2021 - Gillingham 1-0 Plymouth Argyle - Sky Bet League One
02/01/2021 - Plymouth Argyle 1-0 Gillingham - Sky Bet League One
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
The two club’s last met on the final day of the 2020/21 season. Gills were victorious on the day thanks to Vadaine Oliver’s 20th goal in all competitions.
Gills beat Plymouth at Home Park in March 2012, and it was a day in which Joe Martin went from hero to zero in just eight minutes. Martin’s screamer from 30 yards flew into the top corner to give Andy Hessenthaler’s side the lead. However, he received his marching orders following a second booking in the 31st minute. Despite that, Gillingham hung on for all three points.
Odds:
Plymouth win - 6/4
Draw - 12/5
Gillingham win - 8/5
Special bet: Kyle Dempsey to score first and Gillingham to win 2-1 - 50/1.
Match Officials:
Referee - Charles Breakspear
Assistants - Daniel Flynn and Mark Derrien
Fourth Official - Scott Jackson