Gills head to Ipswich at the weekend looking to record their first win at Portman Road since 2003.
Ipswich Town v Gillingham
Sky Bet League One
Portman Road
Saturday February 5th
Kick-Off, 3pm
Team News:
Ben Thompson could make his Gills debut on Saturday after signing for the club following his release by Millwall on deadline day. Vadaine Oliver may come back into the starting XI, having picked up a good amount of game time in the win over Crewe.
Mustapha Carayol is a doubt after being stretchered off in the win. Thankfully, he was able to walk back to the dressing room under his own control, but Neil Harris may take precautions ensuring that the winger is fit for Tuesday’s game against Cambridge.
Lee Evans is a doubt for the game, with Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna needing to make a game-time decision on his involvement. Ipswich will have Kane Vincent-Young and Matt Penney back available for the fixture.
McKenna could rotate his squad for the game after the Tractor Boys’ loss at Hillsborough last weekend.
Manager Comments:
Neil Harris - "We are playing a side Saturday who have had some good results, and they arguably have the best squad in the league.
"Ipswich at home was not a good performance. We need to better than we were Tuesday as a group."
Kieran McKenna - "They’re a team who have been fighting for their lives anyway at the end of the table where they don’t want to be. They’ve obviously brought in a new manager earlier in the week and got a good response on Tuesday night with the win against Crewe.
"We’re under no doubts that we’re going to be playing a highly motivated team, not just because of their position in the league but also because they’ll want to impress the new manager.”
Previous Meetings:
The club’s last visit to Portman Road ended in late heartbreak as Ed Bishop’s late goal earned Ipswich all three points against a resilient Gills side. Vadaine Oliver came close to a last gasp equaliser, but his header hit the face of the post.
A memorable Gillingham win at Portman Road came in October 2002. Mamady Sidibe’s first half header from close-range proved to be the winner as Gills defeated Ipswich for the first time in the club’s history.
Ticket Information:
Please note that tickets which have not been collected from MEMS Priestfield Stadium will go to Portman Road on the supporters' coach for collection at the away ticket office.
This match is strictly all-ticket!
All information regarding the trip to Portman Road can be found here.
COVID-19:
Following the government's easing of Covid-19 Plan B restrictions, and in line with the latest guidance, Ipswich Town has confirm COVID Passes will no longer be required as a condition of entry to Portman Road.
However, Saturday's opponents continue to encourage fans to follow public health guidance when attending matches, including wearing face coverings when indoors or in crowded areas, maintaining good hand hygiene and not attending if you've recently tested positive for Covid-19 or displaying symptoms.
Ipswich encourages supporters to take a lateral flow test before departing for Portman Road, and will continue to have a lateral flow testing centre in Alderman Park, which is opposite the Magnus Group West Stand turnstiles, for supporters who wish to take a test before entering Portman Road.
Odds:
Ipswich Town - 2/5
Draw - 10/3
Gillingham win - 13/2
Special Bet: Danny Lloyd to score and Gillingham to win 1-0 - 110/1.
Match Officials:
Referee - Stephen Martin
Assistants - Michael George and Lee Venamore
Fourth Official - Paul Howard