Gills welcome league leaders Stockport County to Priestfield on Tuesday night, but will be without Jorge Hurtado.
The league leaders visit Priestfield on Tuesday night, as Stephen Clemence’s squad look to take advantage of the home support in what could potentially be a season defining run of fixtures.
After falling to a narrow defeat away at Newport County this past weekend, and after results elsewhere, the Gills come into a clash with the league’s frontrunners sitting in 11th spot in the table, yet still only a single point outside the Play-Off positions.
A strong performance under the Priestfield lights, backed by the Gills support, could see the men from ME7 jump into seventh place when the referee blows the final whistle.
Gillingham v Stockport County
Priestfield Stadium
Sky Bet League Two
Tuesday February 20
Kick-Off, 7.45pm
Team News:
The Gills will continue to be without Dom Jefferies for the visit of Stockport, the midfielder remaining out of contention due to a thigh injury. Dom continues his recovery but will likely remain unavailable for a few more weeks.
Josh Andrews is due to take part in a B-Team game on Tuesday afternoon as he continues to regain his match fitness. He will likely be assessed ahead of the Wrexham fixture this coming weekend.
Jorge Hurtado suffered a knee injury during training prior to the Newport fixture this past weekend. The forward is likely to remain out of action for several weeks.
Stephen Clemence will otherwise have no new injury concerns when Stockport come to Priestfield this Tuesday evening.
As for Stockport, Will Collar has returned to the squad following injury. Paddy Madden is pushing for a recall having scored 13 goals this season.
Manager Comments:
Stephen Clemence: “We are looking forward to it.
"It will be a good game and I’m sure it will be a good crowd; they will be right behind us like they always are.
“I honestly believe we can beat anyone in the division on our day, we have nobody to fear. I don’t think anybody would be looking forward to playing us, we need to bring our best on Tuesday.”
Dave Challinor: “There is a lack of desire and organisation to keep the ball out of your net. Our reaction will tell not just me, but the fans, a lot about this group."
Previous Meeting:
The Gills travelled to Edgeley Park on the opening day of the current 23/24 League Two campaign.
Our hosts on the day would ultimately have the better of the possession and passing statistics, but it would be the Gills who claimed all three points through an 86th minute strike from Robbie McKenzie. The defender latching onto a loose ball inside the area to slot past Hinchliffe in the Stockport goal.
A professional away performance resulted in a 1-0 Gills win.
Head-to-Head:
Gillingham – 14
Draw – 14
Stockport county - 15
The two sides enter this fixture with a near even record since their first meeting back in the 1952/53 FA Cup. Stockport emerged victorious from that tie, but The Gills have since progressed past the Hatters in both FA Cup and League Cup meetings.
Stockport hold two additional league wins over Gillingham.
Ticket Information:
Tickets are still available to purchase online via the official club website:
BUY TICKETS | GILLS V STOCKPORT
Tickets will also be available to purchase on the day via our Fan Engagement Centre located withing the club shop.
Odds:
Gillingham Win – 11/5
Draw – 23/10
Stockport Win – 23/20
Special Bet: Gillingham to win and both teams to score – 11/2.
Match Officials:
Referee: Lee Swabey
Assistants: Kevin Howick & Andy Hickman
Fourth Official: Paul Kelly
Sat Nav: ME7 2PE