The Gills host Northampton Town in Sky Bet League One on Saturday, November 12, 3pm kick-off
The Gills host Northampton Town in Sky Bet League One on Saturday, November 12, 3pm kick-off
Sky Bet League One
MEMS Priestfield Stadium
Saturday, November 12
3pm kick-off
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Lee Probert
Assistants: Daniel Leach and Michael Webb
Fourth Official: Constantin Hatzid
Justin Edinburgh’s team face newly-promoted Northampton Town on Saturday in Sky Bet League One.
Tickets are still available for this eagerly-anticipated match at the MEMS Priestfield Stadium, and you can buy yours by clicking here.
TEAM NEWS
Gills manager Justin Edinburgh confirmed that Bradley Dack, Max Ehmer, Frank Nouble and Scott Wagstaff should return to the matchday squad for the visit of Northampton on Saturday after missing Tuesday's Checkatrade Trophy victory against West Brom.
Edinburgh has praised both Bradley Garmston and Baily Cargill for their midweek performances, and said Cargill is in contention to start against the Cobblers. Left-back Garmston, however, may have to wait a little longer before he is named in the starting XI.
“We have to be mindful of Brad Garmston, who’s been a long-term absentee, but there could be place for him on bench,” said Edinburgh. “Baily Cargill comes into contention and Ryan Jackson has overcome a dead leg from Tuesday.
“We’re certainly getting back to having the strength in depth that we crave in the squad. Whereas it was five or six out [through injury] of late, it’s now getting towards one and two. This gives me options, which is what you want as manager. You want to have to make tough decisions.”
THE OPPOSITION
Midfielder Jak McCourt is set to miss the trip to Kent with what is thought to be nerve damage.
Town manager Rob Page praised Edinburgh’s team for their quality in forward areas of the pitch, but believes his side can pick up maximum points on Saturday.
“I played against Gillingham a couple of times last season and they were outstanding, and with the same manager. He will turn it around, but we just have to make sure that it’s not on Saturday.
“We have to respect what they have from an attacking point of view, they have got some very good footballers in their team, but we also have to exploit their weaknesses.
“We have done our homework and seen the games they have played, and we have to come up with a plan to try and win the game.”
LAST TIME WE MET
It is the first time the Cobblers have travelled to Gillingham in since the Gills’ League Two title-winning 2012/13 season, in which Martin Allen’s men did the double over their opponents.
The last meeting between the two clubs came at the MEMS Priestfield Stadium back in January 2013, when goals from Cody McDonald and Myles Weston either side of half-time secured a 2-0 win for the home side.
The teams have met 109 times in total, with the Gills winning 40, drawing 18 and losing 51.
FANCY A FLUTTER?
Gills win – 13/8
Draw – 12/5
Cobblers win–13/8
For all the latest match odds visit Sky Bet.
MATCH COVERAGE
GillsPlayer will have live match commentary from 3pm with Ben Watts and Peter Lloyd. To subscribe, click here.
The GillsWall will have interactive text commentary of the match, and the club’s social media channels will be bringing you live updates throughout the day.
SATURDAY'S SKY BET LEAGUE ONE FIXTURES
Swindon v Charlton (12pm kick-off)
Bradford v Rochdale
Bury v Southend
Coventry v Scunthorpe
Millwall v Bristol Rovers
MK Dons v Walsall
Oldahm v Wimbledon
Port Vale v Fleetwood
Shrewsbury v Oxford Utd