Keith Millen takes charge of Gillingham for the first time on Saturday with Shaun Williams hoping to be available after missing the midweek game at Crewe.
Gillingham v MK Dons
Priestfield Stadium
Sky Bet League Two
Saturday October 7
Kick-Off, 3pm
Team News:
Tim Dieng remains sidelined as the midfielder continues to work on his recovery from a knee injury. Oli Hawkins is also unavailable for selection this weekend, as the forward works his way towards a return.
Lewis Walker and Joe Gbode are unavailable to feature for the Gills, having completed short-term loan moves to Woking and Maidstone respectively.
Captain Shaun Williams could return to the squad after missing out at Crewe earlier in the week.
As for MK Dons they could name an unchanged XI from the team that drew 0-0 with Walsall midweek. Former Gills defender Jack Tucker is expected to be in the squad.
However the visitors are still likely to be missing Nathan Harness, Ashley Hunter, Dean Lewington & Tommy Smith through injury. They will be assessed up until the last moment.
Manager Comments:
Keith Millen: “I like to think that we’ll get a positive reaction from the team on Saturday. We want to be on the front foot, show our desire and play football to win the game.
“MK Dons in previous years had a reputation of being a really good side, with lots of great young players. They’ll have their own expectations and ideas of what they want to achieve this season. It’s a big club and they’ll certainly give us a tough game.
“The crowd at Priestfield want to see their team show a fight and spirit to win the game, that’s a non-negotiable for me.”
Graham Alexander: "They’re all good teams and want to win at this level. We have no god-given right to beat anyone. Whoever the team is, what they’ve done in the past, the names, the colour of the kit, you have to earn it.”
Previous Meeting:
Our most recent meeting with this weekend’s opponent came on New Year’s Day 2022, as the Gills travelled to Stadium MK for a Sky Bet League One fixture.
Gillingham came into the match on a poor run of form, having not won a game since the prior October, struggling to register points.
The hosts dominated on the day, with 68% possession and registering 17 shots to Gillingham’s six and completing 546 passes compared to 267 for the Gills.
The only notable chance for Gillingham came early in the second half, as Mustapha Carayol beat his man to get a head on a dangerous cross, the player nodding the ball back into the box to find an unmarked Stuart O’Keefe in acres of space inside the area.
The midfielder’s shot didn’t quite connect however, the ball eventually being cleared.
MK Dons continued to put pressure on the Gills defence throughout the remainder of the match but were ultimately unable to break down a resolute Gillingham backline on the day. Gillingham earning a much needed point in a 0-0 draw.
Head-to-Head:
Gillingham – 8
Draw – 5
MK Dons – 9
The Gills have played MK Dons on 22 previous occasions. The visitors this weekend just about edge it on wins, recording nine to Gillingham’s eight across all previous encounters.
Ticket Information:
Home fans can purchase tickets via the below link up until kick-off. The ticket window on Redfern Avenue will be open from 9am if you prefer to purchase in person.
Match Officials:
Referee – Darren Drysdale
Assistants – Leigh Crowhurst & Michael Webb
Fourth Official – Dean Treleaven
Odds:
Gillingham Win – 13/10
Draw – 23/10
MK Dons Win – 19/10
Special Bet: Ashley Nadesan to score anytime – 9/4
Sat Nav: ME7 2PE