Gareth Ainsworth knows that Grimsby will provide a difficult test for his side as they visit the MEMS Priestfield Stadium on Saturday.
'The Mariners' snapped a four-game losing run with their 2-2 draw at Rochdale in midweek, and despite that run of results, Ainsworth knows that David Artell's team will ensure a tough afternoon.
The Gills boss discussed the fitness of players in the squad, with the return of Will Goodwin not far away. He also elaborated on the importance of players making it through the entirety of the 90 minutes, and how the final ten minutes of a game are where players can pick up muscle injuries.
Following Monday's FA Cup draw it was confirmed that Gillingham will host Barrow in the first round of the competition. Ainsworth is excited to get underway in the competition, admitting he will do everything he can to make it through to the second round while showing the FA Cup the respect it deserves.
On the visit of Grimsby Town...
The league is so open this year; it really is. We have to respect Grimsby. Andy Cook is up front there; they have [Kieran] Green in midfield, and they have some serious legs in the team that we have to contend with. David [Artell] has flipped and flopped with formation and team selection, just trying to find a formula to win games. They have had a few tough results, but it has no bearing on how Grimsby will be. This is very much the same team that finished in the play-offs last year, and were in and around everything.
We have to be hugely respectful, as we always will be. Don't take anything for granted and concentrate on what we are going to do with our own performance.
Fitness of some of the squad...
Will Goodwin will be back very soon. He has been out on the grass again. He had a recurrence of an injury, and we can't have that again. It is really important. The plus factors are that Armani [Little] got through 90 the other night, and Conor McManus, playing a good amount, again. But he hasn't played 90 minutes for about a month... It is a big thing playing 90 minutes. The amount of injuries that are picked up in those last ten minutes when people are tired and stretching for things. You just can't take the risk, especially with what I have already got.
Update on Eli King...
He is seeing a surgeon this week, so we will have a look at where that will go. Knees are complicated things, especially after one cruciate on the knee that he has had. We will have to tread carefully on that one. I will probably speak to the medical team and Eli and see what we can release about that coming up.
On the FA Cup draw with Barrow...
I am looking forward to hosting at home. I love the FA Cup. It is a big, big thing for me and my family and household. We will be going strong in that and trying to get through to the next round.
A non-league team at home is always a tough ask. There are going to be upsets, definitely. We just don't want to be one of them. The league form is everything to us this season, without a doubt. Believe me, I massively respect the FA Cup... I will never disrespect that competition. It is a competition that I want to do well in.
