Callum Reilly returns as Gills look to extend unbeaten run at Charlton.
CHARLTON ATHLETIC V GILLINGHAM
The Valley
Sky Bet League 1
Saturday December 22, 2018
Kick-off, 3pm
Team News:
Steve Lovell will be without Max Ehmer once more as the centre-back continues to recover from a dislocated shoulder sustained in the 2-0 win at Scunthorpe. Alex Lacey is set to keep his place alongside Gabriel Zakuani in the heart of defence, although Connor Ogilvie is another option for that role.
Brandon Hanlan has recovered from a hand injury while Callum Reilly is set to return after completing his three match ban.
Charlton will be without suspended defender Naby Sarr as he begins a three match suspension after being sent off in last weekend's win over AFC Wimbledon.
Lee Bowyer hopes to have some of his injured players back during the festive period, but Karlan Ahearne- Grant (hamstring), Jamie Ward (leg), George Lapslie (concussion), and Josh Cullen (shoulder) will once again be absent.
Manager Comments:
Steve Lovell: “All I’m concerned about is us, and us keeping going. Lee Bowyer has done a good job there, whatever he’s done he wants to continue that, but I’m more concerned about us and worried about us and looking forward to us going there and giving them a game.
“It will be a good game I think, the supporters will enjoy it and I think it will be quite open.”
Lee Bowyer: “They give everything and they work hard. We can’t just come into Saturday assuming we are going to get the three points because things have been going well.
“We know what we are good at and we have to remember that. We know Gillingham will come and make it difficult for us – it will be a physical test – and ultimately it’s about what we do on the day.”
Previous Meetings:
Gillingham did the league double over Charlton last season (2017/18), taking home all three points in both games. Charlton's 2-1 defeat to Gillingham at the Valley in January is the club’s only home defeat to the Gills in 15 such matches in all competitions.
The reverse fixture last season saw Gills win 1-0 with Tom Eaves getting the winning goal.
In total the Gills have played Charlton 30 times, with Charlton taking a large majority of the wins with 13 to Gills five.
Odds:
Charlton win – 8/11
Draw – 13/5
Gillingham win – 7/2
Special Bet: Gillingham to win 2-1 and Dean Parrett to score first – 185/1.
For more odds and markets visit www.skybet.com/fl72.
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Officials:
Referee – Charles Breakspear
Assistant Referee 1 – Samuel Ogles
Assistant Referee 2 – Marc Wilson
Fourth Official – George Byrne