Match Previews

Preview | Gillingham v Charlton Athletic

21st September

Steve Evans forced into one change for the visit of Charlton with Stuart O'Keefe suspended.

Gillingham v Charlton Athletic

Sky Bet League One

MEMS Priestfield Stadium

Tuesday September 21

Kick-Off, 7.45pm

Team News:

Gills will be without Daniel Phillips, John Akinde, Ryan Jackson and Mustapha Carayol as they all continue to recover from injury. Stuart O’Keefe is also unavailable as he serves his one match suspension following his sending off against MK Dons.

Nigel Adkins could make changes to the starting XI and formation ahead of Tuesday’s game after the defeat to Wycombe. The likes of Elliot Lee, Ben Watson, Adam Matthews and Charlie Kirk could all return to the lineup.

Manager Comments:

Steve Evans - "You all have to be together to win. Division leads to defeat and that is not an option.

"The fans I am sure will make sure Tuesday a great atmosphere under the lights at Priestfield. We are again depleted but let us focus on the players we have available.

“It is a big game for us and I have nothing but respect for Charlton. We know how tough Tuesday will be."

Nigel Adkins - "I understand the frustration because Charlton, we need to be getting out of this division. We need to be winning every game that we go and play."

Recent Form:

Gillingham: LDWLD(Lost on pens)

Gills were beaten 4-1 by MK Dons last time out. Vadaine Oliver had given Steve Evans’ side the lead, but Stuart O’Keefe’s red card turned the game on its head. Scott Twine and Peter Kioso made it 2-1 before half-time, and an own goal and finish from Max Watters in the final ten minutes settled the tie.

Charlton Athletic: LLWWL

The Addicks sit in 23^rd place after Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Wycombe. Sam Lavelle’s late goal proved to only be a consolation after a Gareth McCleary brace put Wycombe 2-0 in front. Charlton’s only league win of the season came against Crewe, where goals from Diallang Jaiyesemi and Jayden Stockley proved to be enough for all three points.

Previous Meetings:

The last game between the two sides was a classic at The Valley. Olly Lee had given Gills the lead after a matter of seconds as his long-ranged effort found the bottom corner.

Chuks Aneke scored on the 15-minute mark, but Connor Ogilvie’s sensational volley restored the Gillingham lead in the 38^th minute. Jayden Stockley equalised shortly after half-time but Aneke was sent off in the 70^th minute after a second yellow card.

Kyle Dempsey won the game late on as his emphatic strike left Ben Amos with no chance.

The last meeting at the MEMS Priestfield Stadium saw the points shared. Conor Washington had the chance to give The Addicks the lead in the first-half, but his penalty was saved by Jack Bonham. John Akinde won a penalty for the Gills in the second-half and Jordan Graham was on hand to convert the spot kick. Chuks Aneke equalised from close range as he blasted an effort into the top corner.