A big challenge awaits the Gills on Saturday evening when they take to the road to lock horns with fellow play-off hopefuls, Oxford.
Oxford United v Gillingham
Sky Bet League One
The Kassam Stadium
Saturday April 17
Kick-Off, 5.30pm
Team News:
Gills have not got any new injury issues ahead of the game with Callum Slattery remaining the only absentee. Olly Lee and Dominic Samuel will both be pushing for starting places.
Brandon Barker is an injury doubt for the hosts having been brought off with a knee problem during the opening stages of the 4-1 win over Shrewsbury. Mide Shodipo could start if Barker is not fit to play.
Manager Comments:
Steve Evans - "Oxford have an excellent squad with many gifted individuals.
"We will need to be at our best to compete, especially with the form they are in.
"We have to work extremely hard at Oxford and execute our plan. We have a lot of respect for the opponents."
Karl Robinson- “Gillingham present another type of challenge and are very good at it, applying a constant wave of pressure. You can’t disrespect that because their results have been very positive.
"So you just have to set up right, deal with it and be calm in your own game. It’s not all about stopping them though, they have to stop you playing as well, so it should be a good game.”
Previous Meetings:
10/10/2020 - Gillingham 3-1 Oxford United - Sky Bet League One
18/01/2020 - Gillingham 1-1 Oxford United - Sky Bet League One
28/09/2019 - Oxford United 3-0 Gillingham - Sky Bet League One
09/03/2019 - Gillingham 1-0 Oxford United - Sky Bet League One
17/11/2018 - Oxford United 1-0 Gillingham - Sky Bet League One
Gills were victorious in the meeting between the two sides earlier this season. First half goals from Vadaine Oliver and Jacob Mellis had given Steve Evans’ men a 2-0 lead. Dan Agyei scored right after half-time, but Jordan Graham’s great finish secured all three points.
Gillingham’s last win at the Kassam Stadium came in 2010. Cody McDonald scored the only goal of the game to secure a big three points for Andy Hessenthaler’s side. The win was Gillingham’s first away from home in 35 attempts.
Gillingham lead the head-to-head with 20 wins to Oxford’s 14, and there have also been 15 draws.
Odds:
Oxford United win - Evens
Draw - 12/5
Gillingham win - 5/2
Special Bet: Vadaine Oliver to score first and Gillingham to win 2-1 - 35/1.
Match Officials:
Referee: Robert Lewis
Assistants: Aaron Farmer and Geoffrey Russell
Fourth Official: Christopher Pollard
iFollow:
All UK subscribers can watch Saturday’s game for a one-off fee of £10! Click the below graphic, or here, to purchase your iFollow video match pass. BBC Radio Kent will be in the press box to guide you through the action.
