Match Previews

Preview | Gillingham v Bristol Rovers

18th September

Gillingham v Bristol Rovers

Sky Bet League Two

MEMS Priestfield Stadium

Saturday September 19, 2026

Kick-Off, 3pm

Team News:

Ronan Hale will be assessed until the final moments after being forced off in the win against Tranmere due to a whack on the ankle. Will Goodwin is nearly back fit after going off in the first half at Rochdale. Harry Waldock is back in training after going off last Saturday due to a stomach problem.

Gareth Ainsworth is hoping that he could see a couple of players return to the matchday squad for this weekend’s fixture.

Tommy Leigh will be unavailable for selection for Bristol Rovers, as he begins his three-match suspension following a red card for violent conduct in their defeat against Grimsby.

Steve Evans has confirmed that Riley Harbottle will miss the fixture, while a late decision will be made on whether Keenan Gough is involved.

Manager Comments:

Gareth Ainsworth: “A Steve Evans team will be organised, will be strong, they will run through brick walls, and will tackle hard. You have to do that in League Two.

“We have got to be at our best again. We can't take any foot off the gas at all. I want to go full blast. The training is good, the spirits are good, and hopefully, we can get another win.”

Gareth’s exclusive with Gills TV can be seen here.

Steve Evans: “Their best performance of the season was no doubt last week. They beat a decent Tranmere side 2-0 - could have beaten them more.

"Missed a couple of chances to make it more emphatic. But we think we've identified some areas that we can get at them, and we've been working on that this week, and we'll continue to work on it, and we'll see where we are."

Previous Meetings:

Saturday will be the 113th meeting between the two clubs, with Bristol Rovers leading the head-to-head with 47 victories in all competitions to Gillingham’s 44. The fixture has also seen 21 draws.

When the two sides met in February 2010, the game looked destined to end in a goalless draw until Simeon Jackson provided late heroics.

The forward was brought on just short of the hour and nearly broke the deadlock when he cut inside onto his left foot before sending a low drive towards the near post. However, he was denied by Rhys Evans, whose fingertip save pushed the ball onto the woodwork and behind.

The game’s clinching moment came during additional time. Chris Dickson flicked the ball in behind the visiting defence, which allowed Jackson to latch onto the ball. The forward, who was just outside the box, cut onto his right foot before sending a low driven shot into the bottom left corner of the net.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtdjqqGBfCI

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 portals 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 - 5/2

Draw - 5/2

Bristol Rovers win - 10/11

Match Officials: