Charlie Kelman in line to make his home debut on Saturday.
Gillingham v MK Dons
Sky Bet League One
MEMS Priestfield Stadium
Saturday September 18
Kick-Off, 3pm
Team News:
Gills have a few injury worries are Ryan Jackson, Daniel Phillips and John Akinde. All three will train on Friday before a decision on their matchday availability is made.
David Kasumu and Mo Eisa both returned training for MK this past week. However, Saturday will come too soon for both players. Liam Manning is unlikely to make many changes to the side that beat Portsmouth last time out, with the likes of Ethan Robson, Hiram Boateng and Dean Lewington all likely to start the game.
Manager Comments:
Steve Evans: "MK Dons will be tough opponents Saturday. We need to be ready, respectful and we'll have a game plan which we will continue to work on.
"MK Dons are very expansive and talented and they will present problems.”
Liam Manning: “Gillingham are going to be extremely difficult. It will be another challenging game and we need to make sure we do everything to make sure that we are in the best position possible to go and perform."
Recent Form:
Gillingham- DWLD(lose on pens)W
Last time out, Gillingham drew at the Pirelli Stadium against Burton Albionb but were unlucky to not come away with all three points. Vadaine Oliver had given Steve Evans’ side the lead during the first half, and Mustapha Carayol, Charlie Kelman and Kyle Dempsey all came close to extending that lead.
Kane Hemmings scored right after half-time, and both sides had opportunities to win the game. Jamie Cumming did brilliantly to deny Daniel Jebbison, while Carayol, Oliver and Stuart O’Keefe all had great chances to retake the lead.
However, the Gills could not find that allusive winner and had to settle for a point.
The last league win for the Gills came at the MEMS Priestfield Stadium. Vadaine Oliver and Mustapha Carayol scored either side of a Cole Stockton goal as the Gills beat Morecambe 2-1. After six games, Gillingham sit in 19th place with six points.
MK Dons- WDWWD
MK had an impressive win against Portsmouth last time out. Ethan Robson scored the only goal of the game as they continued their fine run of form. Liam Manning’s side are currently unbeaten in their last six games in all competitions as they continue to climb the League One table.
That win put them up into fifth place on 12 points after seven games. Their only league defeat of the season came at the hands of table toppers Sunderland.
Previous Meetings:
The last meeting between the two sides at the MEMS Priestfield Stadium was a goal-fest. Will Grigg had initially put Russell Martin’s side in front, but goals from Jordan Graham and Vadaine Oliver turned the game on its head. Warren O’Hora equalised shortly after Oliver had put Gills in front, and Connor Ogilvie scored the winner with 15 minutes to go with an emphatic finish. Steve Evans’ side won the game 3-2.
A memorable Gills win at home to MK Dons came in October 2013. Danny Kedwell scored two penalties in two minutes to put Gillingham two goals in front. Former loanee Tom Flanagan was sent off in the proceedings, and England international Patrick Bamford scored a quick brace of his own to level the score at the half-hour mark.
Danny Hollands was the Gillingham match-winner on the day as his goal just before the hour ensured a huge 3-2 victory.
Both clubs are level in the head-to-head with eight wins apiece, while there have also been four draws in the fixture.
Ticket Information:
BOOK YOUR TICKETS FOR SATURDAY’S FIXTURE HERE.
Please ensure that you get to the stadium with plenty of time to scan your tickets in case of queues or technical difficulties.
Odds:
Gillingham win - 13/8.
Draw - 23/10.
MK Dons win - 6/4.
Special Bet: Kyle Dempsey to score first and Gillingham to win 3-1- 145/1.
Match Officials:
Referee - John Busby
Assistants - Andrew Fox and Greg Read
Fourth Official - Michael Webb