We bring you the team news, manager comments and latest odds as the Gills prepare to welcome Barnsley to Priestfield
GILLINGHAM V BARNSLEYSky Bet League One
MEMS Priestfield Stadium
Saturday February 28
Kick-Off, 3pm
Team News:
Justin Edinburgh has a near fully fit squad to choose from ahead of Saturday’s visit of Barnsley. Aaron Morris (hamstring) is fighting fit again after completing an hour in Tuesday’s 2-1 development win over Bournemouth.
Amine Linganzi (hamstring) is also fit while Josh Pritchard (calf) played midweek and is available for selection.
Callum Davies and Josh Hare both remain on the treatment table.
Antonio German has joined Aldershot on a one month loan, while Tom Hadler will stay with Tonbridge until the end of the season.
As for Barnsley, new boss Lee Johnson will be without defender Jean-Yves Mvoto following his sending off against Scunthorpe on Tuesday. Peter Ramage (thigh) may return in his place.
Sam Winnall is slowly recovering from a hamstring strain but this game may have come too soon for him while Adam Davies may keep his place in goal if Ross Turnbull isn’t fit.
Management Comments:
Justin Edinburgh: "A new manager coming in always poses a different threat so we will be aware of that. Barnsley have had back-to-back victories and I was impressed by them against Scunthorpe.
“They are a good side and will be buoyed by a new appointment but we are at the top of the form guide and there is no team more confident than us.”
On being appointed as the club’s new Manager Lee Johnson said: "It wasn't a case of wanting to leave Oldham because I loved my time there, but I wanted to progress and give myself the best opportunity to achieve.
"It is a great time for me to come here and hopefully achieve something special."
Previous Meetings:
The sides last met in August when Barnsley, then under the management of Danny Wilson, ran out convincing 4-1 winners at Oakwell.
Gillingham haven’t recorded a win over the Tykes since August 2001 when a brace from Marlon King and a solitary strike from Iffy Onoura were enough to claim all three points at Priestfield.
In total the clubs have met on 27 occasions – of those Gillingham have won only six while Barnsley have double that tally with 12. The other nine games have resulted in a draw.
Betting:
Gillingham win – 13/10
Draw – 12/5.
Barnsley win – 2/1
Special Bet: John Marquis to score first in a 3-1 win – 66/1.
Officials:
Referee - Kevin Johnson
Assistant Referee 1 - Graham Kane
Assistant Referee 2 - Daniel Leach
Fourth Official - Carl Fitch