Stuart O'Keefe could return for the Gills this weekend following suspension.
Oxford United v Gillingham
Sky Bet League One
The Kassam Stadium
Saturday September 25th
Kick-Off, 3pm
Team News:
Steve Evans admitted that the squad available to him on Tuesday night will more than likely be the same one that travels to Oxford on Saturday, with the possible exception of Stuart O'Keefe who has served his one-match ban.
Rhys Bennett is a fitness doubt, having come off during the second half against the Addicks and will need to do a late fitness test to determine whether he can start the game.
Gerald Sithole and Danny Lloyd both made a big impact against Charlton, and both may come into the starting XI for the trip to Oxford. David Tutonda could also return to the line-up.
Karl Robinson is expected to make changes after last week's defeat to Cheltenham, with a full week of training deciding on who will play.
Cameron Brannagan, Elliott Moore and Sam Winnall all came back into training for the U’s and will be in contention to feature. Marcus McGuane and Jamie Hanson will miss the game as they continue to step up their recovery from injury.
Manager Comments:
Steve Evans - "I have huge respect for Oxford; they have a manager who knows the level well.
"Individual bad defending cost us at Oxford last year. We need to produce a good performance.
"Oxford are a top six side and capable of getting in the top two. They are full of good players. It will be a tough afternoon.”
Karl Robinson - “Gillingham will work hard and make it difficult for us and be in our face: they always are. I remember last year in particular where they made it really hard for us in the second half.
"So we have to stand up to that and be at our best but it is a big seven days with two home games and hopefully we can get an important win and all three points on Saturday.”
Recent Form:
Gillingham- DLDWL
The draw against Charlton on Tuesday was the Gills fourth of the season in League One. They now sit in 19th place with seven points. The club’s last game away from home was a draw against Burton Albion.
Vadaine Oliver saw his first-half goal cancelled out by Kane Hemmings. Gills had several chances to win the game and will consider themselves unlucky to not walk away with all three points. However, Jamie Cumming’s brilliant save late in the game against Daniel Jebbison kept the scores level.
Oxford United- LDLLW
The U’s are currently 15th in League One with 11 points from their first eight games. They lost in their previous fixture to Cheltenham, as Alfie May’s goal midway through the second half proved to be the winner.
Oxford drew their last home game against Wycombe, and their last win in the league came at home to Lincoln. James Henry scored a hat-trick as Karl Robinson’s side saw off the Imps 3-1 at the Kassam Stadium.
Previous Meetings:
Gillingham’s last win at the Kassam Stadium came in November 2010. Cody McDonald’s goal on the stroke of half-time proved to be the winner in a 1-0 win for Andy Hessenthaler’s side. That victory also broke the club’s 35 game streak without an away win, a streak that stretched back to May 2009.
Another memorable win at Oxford came during the 1999/2000 season. Nicky Southall gave Peter Taylor’s side the lead just after half-time, and Manny Omoyinmi’s classy finish put the game out of reach for the U’s. Jamie Cook scored for the hosts in injury time, but it only proved to be a consolation.
Ticket Information - prices:
Adults - £24
Over 65 - £17
18-21 - £16
Under 18 - £14
Under 13 - £10
Under 7 - £6
Any collections of tickets for Saturday’s game should be made from The North Stand Ticket Office. There will also be free parking for 2000 vehicles on a first come, first serve basis. More information about the game can be found here.
Tickets can be purchased on the day, CASH ONLY. There is no change in price.
Odds:
Oxford United win - 7/10
Draw - 13/5
Gillingham win - 18/5
Special Bet: Vadaine Oliver to score first and Gillingham to win 2-0 - 80/1.
Match Officials:
Referee - Darren Drysdale
Assistants - Christopher Wade and Daniel Flynn
Fourth Official - Carl Brook