Steve Evans could welcome back a few players for the trip to MK Dons on New Year's Day.
MK Dons v Gillingham
Sky Bet League One
Stadium:MK
Saturday January 1, 2022
Kick-Off, 3pm
Team News:
Steve Evans confirmed that his side was now COVID free ahead of the fixture following the outbreak at the club over Christmas.
Gills will be without Dan Adshead for at least two more weeks as he continues to recover from his broken foot. There are still injuries to a couple of key players as Max Ehmer, Kyle Dempsey and Vadaine Oliver all work hard to get back fit.
Ryan Jackson will return, having served his one match ban following his dismissal at Rotherham. Alex MacDonald will be out for the rest of the season.
Max Watters, who is currently injured, will not be available for MK Dons and is set to return to his parent club, Cardiff.
Aden Baldwin and Josh Martin missed the Boxing Day win over Lincoln but could be available to face the Gills.
Manager Comments:
Steve Evans - “Going to MK Dons at any stage over the last two or three years has been tough for any club. It doesn’t matter if you’re top or bottom.
“We need to go there and be tactically astute. The players will have to work incredibly hard and there should be a lot of enthusiasm in our performance. We’re looking forward to it.”
Stuart O’Keefe - "We have had a good week of training and it's now time to start winning some Football matches.
"We want to get out of the relegation zone, we know we are better than where we are."
Liam Manning - "Gillingham haven’t played since December 11 so we've got no idea where they're at coming into it. We know we will get a really honest, hard-working side that will compete and play with discipline. We have to make sure that we can control what we can."
Previous Meetings:
The Gills last visit to Stadium:MK ended in defeat last season. Cameron Jerome put Russell Martin’s side in front, and Carlton Morris doubled that lead shortly after half-time ensuring a 2-0 win for MK Dons.
A memorable Gills win at MK Dons came during the 2005-06 season. Gary Smith’s penalty gave MK the lead in the first half, but Gillingham produced a second half comeback to take all three points. Darren Byfield brought Gills level just after the hour, then just a couple of minutes later, Tommy Black scored what proved to be the winner. Black’s free-kick caught Ricardo Batista out and found the bottom corner as Gills secured victory.
Ticket Information:
Gills fans can buy on the day from the away booth, near gate 3. This is also where collections should be made. Stadium:mk is a cashless stadium.
It will be reserved seating, prices as follows:
Adults - £22
Senior (Over 65) - £17
Under 18 - £7
U12* - FREE (maximum of three free U12’s with a full paying adult)
Personal Assistant – Free when purchasing a ticket for a disabled supporter
For more information, click here.
COVID-19 Regulations:
Restrictions under Government's Plan B measures:
The team at MK Dons does not anticipate the attendances for these fixtures surpassing 9,999 and therefore does not expect to implement any further Covid-19 restrictions other than the enforcement of face coverings in indoor areas of Stadium MK, except when eating or drinking or if you are exempt.
The Club also strongly advises that face coverings are worn whilst moving around Stadium MK.
Read more on MK Dons COVID protocols here.
Odds:
MK Dons win - 8/15
Draw - 3/1
Gillingham win - 19/4
Special Bet: Olly Lee to score first and Gillingham to win 2-1 - 150/1
Match Officials:
Referee - Charles Breakspear
Assistants - Steven Plane and Christopher Husband
Fourth Official - David Rock
SAT NAV: MK1 1ST