Steve Evans is set to rotate his squad ahead of Gills opening Papa John's Trophy group stage fixture.
Colchester United v Gillingham
Papa John's Trophy
JobServe Community Stadium
Tuesday September 7
Kick-Off, 7.30pm
Team News:
Gills are likely to make changes with their focus on Saturday’s away game against Burton Albion at the Pirelli Stadium. Gerald Sithole and Harvey Lintott will likely start having missed a couple of weeks due to COVID. 17-year-old left-back Bailey Akehurst is expected to travel.
John Akinde and Alex MacDonald may feature as they look to build match fitness after lengthy spells on the sidelines. The likes of Vadaine Oliver, Kyle Dempsey and Jack Tucker are unlikely to play as Steve Evans looks to keep them fit for Saturday. New loan signing Charlie Kelman is available, while Aaron Chapman will likely start in goal.
Tuesday’s hosts will also make changes, with Luke Chambers, Cole Skuse, Frank Nouble and Freddie Sears all likely to be rested. Jake Turner, Cameron Coxe, Donell Thomas and Samson Tovide could all start the game, having been on the bench against Rochdale.
WATCH LIVE | COLCHESTER UNITED V GILLINGHAM - £10!
Recent Form:
Gillingham: L D(Lose on Pens)WDL
Gills game against Charlton Athletic was postponed on Saturday due to the international break. Their previous competitive game was the 2-1 defeat to Shrewsbury in the league last Saturday.
Jack Tucker’s first-half header was cancelled out by Tom Bloxham’s overhead kick. Sam Cosgrove put the Shrews in front ten minutes later, and it proved to be the winner.
In last season's Papa John's Trophy, Steve Evans' side made it through to the Second Round after finishing runners-up in their group. Gills managed to qualify for the next stage after drawing 1-1 to an Arsenal Under 23 side that included William Saliba, Calum Chambers and Emile Smith Rowe. Cambridge knocked Gillingham out in the Second Round, winning 2-0 on the night.
Colchester United: DWDLL
Colchester also had their game at the weekend postponed due to COVID cases in the Sutton United camp. The U’s last competitive fixture came against Rochdale in a 1-1 draw at Spotland. United took the lead thanks to a Max Taylor own goal, but Rochdale levelled the score in the second half thanks to a goal from Jimmy Keohane.
Colchester’s Papa John's Trophy campaign ended in the group stages during the 2020/21 season. Having lost their first two games, they beat Southend United 6-1 in the final game which meant they finished third.
Previous Meetings:
The two sides met in pre-season as Gills played their first game following the COVID outbreak amongst the squad. Goals from Ben Reeves and Jack Tucker ensured a solid pre-season win for Steve Evans’ men.
Gillingham’s last competitive win against The U’s also came in this competition. Max Ehmer’s last gasp winner helped Gills qualify for the Second Round of the tournament.
Ticket Information:
Prices:
Adult - £12
Concession (65+/forces/NHS) - £10
Under 18 - £6
Additional Under 11 - £2
Tickets can be purchased here.
Tickets must be bought through the Colchester United ticketing site. They cannot be bought via the Gillingham FC ticketing site or the ticket office. Tickets can be purchased right until kick-off, but we advise purchasing in advance in case of any technical difficulties.
Colchester is a CASHLESS venue, so the use of a debit or credit card will be the only form of payment.
Gills fans will be situated in the North Stand.
Odds:
Colchester United win - 9/5
Draw - 2/1
Gillingham win - 13/10
Special Bet: Gerald Sithole to score and Gillingham to win 2-1 - 60/1.
Match Officials:
Referee - Brett Huxtable
Assistants - Michael Chard and Mark Stevens
Fourth Official - Leigh Crowhurst
WATCH LIVE ON IFOLLOW:
Video match passes are available for the fixture for a one-off fee of £10! Live TV pictures will be accompanied by commentary from the team at BBC Radio Kent, and in-play graphics.
MATCH PASS | COLCHESTER UNITED V GILLINGHAM