Match Previews

Preview | Lincoln City v Gillingham

25th February

Gills make the trip up the A1 to face a Lincoln side who are currently five points above the drop zone.

Lincoln City v Gillingham

Sky Bet League One

LNER Stadium

Saturday February 26^th

Kick-Off, 3pm

Team News:

Gerald Sithole will miss the trip to Lincoln due to a hamstring injury, he may miss the next couple of first-team games. Mustapha Carayol is still recovering from the ankle injury that he suffered in the win over Crewe Alexandra and is unlikely to travel.

Ben Reeves started the game in midweek and came off with cramp during the second half. He should be fine to start the fixture if required.

Tom Hopper could return to the Lincoln City starting XI following a lengthy layoff with injury. He featured as a substitute in their defeats to Doncaster and Bolton.

After Tuesday’s defeat, Michael Appleton could make changes to freshen up his starting line-up. The likes of Liam Cullen, Max Sanders and Lasse Sorenson could all come into the team.

Manager Comments:

Neil Harris - "Me and David [Livermore] drove up to watch Lincoln last Tuesday; they dominated the game but lost 0-1.

"On paper they have a very good side, it will be another tough game."

Michael Appleton - “We need to take points on Saturday. I won’t be shying away from it. I know the responsibility is to win games of football and, if you don’t, I know the consequences.”

Previous Meetings:

The two sides last met on the opening day of the season. Tayo Edun gave Lincoln an early lead with an emphatic finish on the half-volley. However, Danny Lloyd brought the Gills level on the stroke of half-time following a goal-line scramble.

Both teams had opportunities to win the game, with Vadaine Oliver coming the closest, but the points were shared.

Gillingham’s visit to the LNER Stadium last season proved to be a memorable one. Vadaine Oliver headed the Gills in front after ten minutes, and on the 20th minute, the lead was doubled. Kyle Dempsey scored from 18 yards as he managed to drill his shot beyond Alex Palmer.

With little time remaining, Jordan Graham won Gills a penalty as he was brought down inside the area. He would step up and convert the penalty himself to round off a convincing win.