Jordan Graham and Callum Slattery hoping to be fit for Charlton clash.
Charlton Athletic v Gillingham
Sky Bet League One
The Valley
Saturday February 13
Kick-off, 3pm
Team News:
Steve Evans has confirmed that both Callum Slattery and Jordan Graham will be doubts for Saturday’s game, but they will both be given the opportunity to prove their fitness on Friday. If they are unable to feature it could open the door for Stuart O’Keefe, James Morton or Tyreke Johnson to start.
Tom O’Connor returned against Lincoln and could make the starting XI, with John Akinde also pushing for a recall.
Diallang Jaiyesimi could make his first start for Charlton on Saturday having come on as a substitute during the win over Rochdale.
Akin Famewo could be in the matchday squad having featured for the under 23’s, while Jake Forster-Caskey is a doubt for the game.
Manager Comments:
Steve Evans - "Lee Bowyer has done a stunning job. Charlton are one of those iconic clubs in League One with a huge fan base and it's a brilliant place to go.
"I loved Lee as a player; I would have signed him as a player!
"There's everything to play for, but it will be tough."
Stuart O’Keefe - "The Valley is one of the best places to go and play Football in any league.
"It's a local derby; make no mistake about it, we are going there for three points and we need to start climbing that table."
Lee Bowyer - “Gillingham play in a certain way so we’ll have to fight and compete. It might not be pretty at times. But when we win that ball, we have to do the right things. We’ll also have to defend our box well. They will pepper the box with long balls and throws.”
Previous Meetings:
21/11/2020 - Gillingham 1-1 Charlton Athletic - Sky Bet League One
27/04/2019 - Gillingham 0-2 Charlton Athletic - Sky Bet League One
22/12/2018 - Charlton Athletic 2-0 Gillingham - Sky Bet League One
01/01/2018 - Charlton Athletic 1-2 Gillingham - Sky Bet League One
16/09/2017 - Gillingham 1-0 Charlton Athletic - Sky Bet League One
The last meeting at The Valley ended in a 2-0 defeat for the Gills during the 2018/19 season. First half goals from Ben Reeves and Tarique Fosu-Henry ensured three points for Charlton.
On New Year's Day in 2018, Steve Lovell’s side recorded a famous 2-1 win. Josh Parker and Tom Eaves put Gills 2-0 up. Although Joe Aribo scored with seven minutes to go, it was not enough to save a point. It was Gillingham’s first ever win at The Valley.
The Addicks lead the head-to-head with 16 wins to Gillingham’s six, and there have been 13 draws between the two sides.
Odds:
Charlton win- 5/6
Draw- 5/2
Gillingham win- 3/1
Special Bet: John Akinde to score first and Gillingham to win 2-1- 55/1.
Match Officials:
Referee: Mr Kevin Johnson
Assistants: Mr Louis Marks and Mr Andy Bennett
Fourth Official: Mr Leigh Crowhurst
iFollow:
All UK subscribers can watch Saturday’s game for a one-off fee of £10! Click the below graphic, or here, to purchase your match pass. Please be aware that you will notice a change in your commentary team for Saturday's game.
Due to travel restrictions, the team at BBC London will be providing audio for Gills iFollow coverage.
