Gills go in search of back-to-back wins on Saturday when they travel to take on Michael Flynn's Walsall.
Walsall v Gillingham
Sky Bet League Two
The Poundland Bescot Stadium
Saturday March 18th
Kick-Off, 3pm
Team News:
Neil Harris could rotate his squad again as the Gills prepare for three games in a week. Robbie McKenzie and Lewis Page could be involved in the matchday squad as they continue to build their fitness. Scott Kashket had a setback with his recovery, meaning Saturday will come too soon for the forward.
Former Gills striker Conor Wilkinson could lead the line for Walsall on Saturday. Jamille Matt will likely miss the game due to injury, while Joe Riley could retain his place in the starting XI after playing against Swindon. Donervon Daniels will be at the heart of the defence for the hosts on Saturday.
Manager Comments:
Michael Flynn - “It will be good to see Neil Harris, I played with him at Gillingham funnily enough.
“It’s a tough game, I don’t expect nothing else and hopefully we come out with the points.”
Neil Harris - "Walsall are a competitive team, what I know is if we dip our standards we are in for a tough afternoon whoever we play.
"The pressure for us is to keep the standards. We need to keep moving away from the danger zone."
Previous Meetings:
The two sides met at the MEMS Priestfield Stadium earlier in the season, and the game ended in a goalless draw. Max Ehmer came close during the second half, with his effort from inside the penalty area well saved by Owen Evans.
Lewis Walker had the best opportunity of the game in the final minutes of normal time. The striker got in between two Walsall defenders to get on the end of a long ball forward. As Walker made his way into the penalty area, he was under pressure from the two defenders, and as he got a shot away, he was going down to the ground. Walker’s effort beat Evans but hit the foot of the post before Walsall managed to clear their lines.
A memorable trip to the Bescot Stadium came in February 2015 with the Gang of Four in charge. Despite The Saddlers’ pressure on the Gillingham goal, it was the visitors that took the lead in the 69th minute. John Egan played a first-time ball beyond the Walsall defence, and Bradley Dack did well to time his run to meet the pass. Dack took the ball into the penalty area before slotting the ball past the oncoming Richard O’Donnell and into the far bottom corner.
The Gillingham lead lasted five minutes as Ashley Grimes brought the hosts back on level terms. The forward was the quickest to react after a free-kick into the penalty area rebounded to him, where he volleyed the ball into an empty net.
Ticket Information:
Tickets will be available to purchase from the Bescot Stadium on Saturday with a price increase of £2 on the day. The club has been allocated 1007 tickets for the fixture.
Please be aware that the stadium is a cashless venue.
For more information, click here.
Odds:
Walsall win- 6/5
Draw- 2/1
Gillingham win- 12/5
Special Bet: George Lapslie to score first and Gillingham to win 2-1- 130/1.
Match Officials:
Referee - Sunny Singh Gill
Assistants - Samuel Ogles and Billy Smallwood
Fourth Official - Ravel Cheosiaua