Match Previews

Preview | Gillingham v Walsall

8th August

Gillingham v Walsall

Sky Bet League Two

MEMS Priestfield Stadium

Saturday August 9, 2025

Kick-off, 3pm

Team News:

Euan Williams remains out due to the shoulder injury he suffered in pre-season. Sam Vokes and Aaron Rowe are in contention to be involved, but Saturday could come too soon.

Seb Palmer-Houlden (pictured) remains a doubt after suffering a hamstring injury at Dartford in the final pre-season game.

Brandon Comley will miss the game for Walsall due to suspension, following his red card in their opening day victory against Swindon. Jonny Stuttle, who had his Sadlers debut cut short following the red card, is expected to lead the line with Aaron Pressley.

Harrison Burke missed Walsall’s win against Swindon due to an ankle injury but will be in consideration to start at the MEMS Priestfield Stadium.

Manager Comments:

Gareth Ainsworth - “ They have changed a lot of bodies. I think that they gave four league debutants last week. They have lost a few players and have changed a little bit style wise. We have looked at them and we are ready for it.

“We have spoken a lot about the threat of Walsall, but also it’s what we can do.”

Mat Sadler- “We know Gillingham is always a tough game.

“They are a very good team - they’re strong throughout, very experienced with players that know the level well and they’ve got physicality in the front areas. In Gareth, they know they’ve got someone there and the reason he’s been brought in is because he knows the levels.”

Previous Meetings:

Gillingham’s last victory against Walsall at the MEMS Priestfield Stadium came in September 2007.

All of the action came during the first half, and it was the Gills that took the lead through Gary Mulligan when his volley from inside the penalty area found the bottom corner after 15 minutes.

The visitors levelled five minutes later, as Danny Fox scored a brilliant goal. Gillingham could not deal with a long ball forward, which allowed Fox to pounce onto a loose ball and take it around one defender before rifling his shot into the top corner.

In the 34th minute, Mulligan scored his second and what proved to be the match winner. Simon King sent a free-kick towards the penalty area, which was headed towards the goal. Mulligan got around his defender before lobbing the ball over the oncoming Clayton Ince and watched the ball bounce into the back of the net.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzq7dV1X0LA

Both clubs are tied when it comes to wins, with 47 apiece. This fixture has also seen 28 draws.

Tickets:

Home supporters can buy tickets online 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 the away portal up until 3pm.