Match Previews

Preview | Gillingham v Bristol Rovers

20th March

Gillingham v Bristol Rovers

Sky Bet League Two

MEMS Priestfield Stadium

Saturday March 21, 2026

Kick-Off, 3pm

Team News:

Gareth Ainsworth hopes to have one or two players return to the matchday squad ahead of Saturday’s game against Bristol Rovers. The Gills boss also stated that one or two of his players could require surgery, which will likely end their season.

Garath McCleary and Sam Vokes are both pushing for starting places, as is Seb Palmer-Houlden.

Saturday will come too soon for Bristol Rovers’ Josh McEachran. Mees Rijks, who missed out on their win against Shrewsbury, could be named in the matchday squad. Promise Omochere and Macauley Southam-Hales will both miss Saturday’s fixture.

Manager Comments:

Gareth Ainsworth: “I think that it has been a real eye-opener for some players about how you need to play if you want a career in professional football. This is what it takes, and this is what you’re up against.

“It will be no different on Saturday. We will be up against a team who are all seasoned pros; they all know how to play the game, and have a manager who is very experienced. We will, again, have to be on our game.”

Steve Evans: “Well, first and foremost, I think they’ve got a really good manager in Gareth Ainsworth. They’ve got brilliant owners in Brad and Shannon Galinson. I’ve met them only on two or three occasions, but they’re really good people.

“They have brilliant support and will be in full voice, I’m sure, and I look forward to giving them a little bit of applause, if you like, because they were fantastic to me during my time there.”

Previous Meetings:

The clubs have met 146 times, with Bristol Rovers leading the head-to-head with 61 wins to Gillingham’s 57. The fixture has seen the points shared on 28 occasions.

A memorable win against ‘The Gas’ at the MEMS Priestfield Stadium came in September 2012, as Martin Allen’s side romped to a 4-0 victory. They opened the scoring after five minutes. Danny Kedwell was brought down inside the penalty area as he made his way towards the goal, and took the spot kick himself, smashing his shot into the roof of the net.

He scored his second ten minutes later, as he flicked a long throw into the penalty area across the goal and into the far corner. Adam Virgo tried clearing it off the line, but was unsuccessful. Charlie Lee made it three on the stroke of half-time, as he met Charlie Allen’s corner with a thumping diving header that flew past Sam Walker.

Chris Whelpdale put the cherry on top of a fantastic win with eight minutes remaining when he met Myles Weston’s cross, guiding a header beyond Walker.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWZxUe-LDb0

Tickets:

BUY TICKETS | GILLINGHAM V BRISTOL ROVERS

Home supporters can buy tickets online, or in person, up until kick-off. Our ticketing desk will be open from 9am on the day of the fixture. Away fans can also purchase online via their dedicated away portal until 3pm.

Matchday Information:

Find all the important timings for your visit to the MEMS Priestfield Stadium by clicking this link. Our fan guide can also be downloaded.

Please be aware that timings are subject to change.

Streaming:

Domestic fans can pay for an audio pass, which are available to purchase for a one-off fee by clicking here.

Overseas fans have access to a video feed for a one-off fee with commentary from BBC Radio Kent.

Click here to buy.

Odds:

Gillingham win - 5/4

Draw - 5/2

Bristol Rovers win - 15/8

Match Officials: