Gills are live on Sky for the visit of Lincoln in Sky Bet League 1.
Gillingham v Lincoln City
Sky Bet League One
MEMS Priestfield Stadium
Friday February 5
Kick-Off, 6pm
Team News:
Steve Evans has confirmed that he has an almost fully fit squad for the fixture. Kyle Dempsey, Callum Slattery and Tom O’Connor are all fit and will be available to start. The only remaining long-term absentee is Dominic Samuel, with Christian Maghoma (ankle) also a major doubt. Henry Woods (knee) remains out of action.
Jacob Mellis will not be available after leaving the club for Southend United on deadline day. James Morton could make his debut after signing on loan from Bristol City.
Lincoln will have Max Sanders and Cohen Brammall available after they joined on deadline day. However, Mex Melbourne and Aaron Lewis departed the club on Monday and will be unavailable.
The Imps made five changes in the Papa John's Trophy victory against Hull, and could do something similar on Friday. Regan Poole and Liam Bridcutt could potentially start.
Manager Comments:
Steve Evans: “I think that they are (Lincoln) the best team in the league, and you don’t get me saying that every week.
“I think I went on record a few weeks ago before this game, and said I’d watched them live and that I said to my staff that my honest opinion is that if you finish above Lincoln you’ll be playing in the Championship next season.”
Jordan Graham: “We know what to expect on Friday, but they are coming here and I think it will be tough for them. When I was at previous clubs and came to Gillingham, it wasn’t enjoyable. No one looks forward to coming to Gillingham. They know what they are going to get. It’s high-intensity, it’s a small pitch, we are in your face, and we make it tough to play.
“That’s what we will do on Friday. We will make it as hard as we can and get in their face. We will do what we know we are good at and hopefully leave here on Friday with three points.”
Vadaine Oliver: “Obviously they’re a really good team, and we know that we’re going to be in for a tough game. At this level, and it’s shown this season, especially with COVID, anyone on their day can beat anyone.
“If we turn up and show the same level of intensity and step up to that challenge, I don’t see why we won’t be in the game.”
Michael Appleton: “They’re [his players] going to be tired and heavy-legged after a difficult night in terms of the elements.
“They had a day off yesterday and we’ll look after them today and make sure we don’t do too much because we’ve got a long journey down south.
“Hopefully, come six o’clock tomorrow, they’ll be ready and raring to go.”
Previous Meetings:
22/02/2020 - Lincoln City 0-0 Gillingham - Sky Bet League One
16/11/2019 - Gillingham 1-0 Lincoln City - Sky Bet League One
09/04/2011 - Lincoln City 0-4 Gillingham - League Two
21/08/2010 - Gillingham 0-1 Lincoln City - League Two
27/01/2009 - Gillingham 1-2 Lincoln City - League Two
The last meeting between the two sides at the MEMS Priestfield Stadium ended in a 1-0 Gillingham win. Mikael Mandron’s first half goal was the difference between the two sides.
A memorable Gills home win against Lincoln came in March 1999. They were victorious 4-0 on the day thanks to braces from Andy Hessenthaler and Kevin Lisbie.
Gills lead the head-to-head with 20 wins to Lincoln’s 15, and there have also been 13 draws in the fixture.
Odds:
Gillingham win- 5/2
Draw- 9/4
Lincoln City win- 21/20
Special Bet: Jordan Graham to score first and Gillingham to win 2-1- 55/1.
Match Officials:
Referee: Samuel Barrott
Assistants: Andrew Aylott and Stephen Brown
Fourth Official: Trevor Kettle
iFollow:
The game will be available via iFollow as usual for season ticket holders, but individual video match passes will not be available. You can purchase an audio pass by clicking here.
The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.