Rochdale v Gillingham
Sky Bet League Two
Crown Oil Arena
Saturday September 5, 2026
Kick-Off, 3pm
Team News:
Robbie McKenzie is a slight doubt for Saturday’s fixture, having been forced off in the draw with Chesterfield after a whack to the leg.
Eli King could be involved, having signed on deadline day from Cardiff City. Zech Obiero may also feature following his season-long loan deal from Leyton Orient.
Glenn Middleton could be named in the Rochdale squad for the first time, having signed earlier this week. Ethan Ebanks-Landell went off during the first half of Rochdale’s 3-0 win against Shrewsbury and could miss Saturday’s fixture.
Former Gills loanee Jonny Smith came off the bench to score in the victory and will be pushing to start this weekend. Ryan East is a doubt due to a toe injury, while Sam Sherring could be in contention to feature after missing Tuesday night’s win due to injury.
Manager Comments:
Ian Watson [speaking after Rochdale’s win on Tuesday night] - “You could see we were playing without fear. The boys want to win so much and run so hard that it can sometimes manifest as anxiety. We’ve been playing with a little bit of fear, being shy with the ball.
“That’s been the hard thing for me as a coach, you want it to look a certain way and it hasn’t been that – tonight it was that. Now we have to make sure that is us every week.”
Gareth Ainsworth - “They are a decent outfit. The jump from non-league to the league now is not anything like it used to be. It is very close.
“We have to be aware of Rochdale. I don't want anyone thinking that this is a team that has been a team in non-league for a few years. This is a tough team to go to. I don't know if it is still called Spotland, but if it is, that is what I remember it as. I am telling the boys that it is a tough place to go.
“I want to win. I do want to win. I know that I am four without a win, and you need to win in this game.”
Gareth’s exclusive with Gills TV can be seen here.
Previous Meetings:
The Gills lead the head-to-head in the fixture with 19 victories to Rochdale’s 16, while the two teams have also drawn 19 times.
Our last visit to Rochdale came in February 2023, as a goal in either half saw Gillingham run out 2-0 winners. Oli Hawkins opened the scoring after 23 minutes. Robbie McKenzie curled a cross from the left into the six-yard box, which was flicked on. The ball dropped to Hawkins, who reacted quickest, prodding it home from a few yards out.
George Lapslie doubled the lead with 15 minutes remaining. Tom Nichols made his way into the penalty area before playing a low ball towards the back post. The home defenders were rooted to their spots, as Lapslie ran onto it unchallenged, slotting the ball into the goal from a couple of yards out.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqXv3Lbj_1I
Tickets:
We have been allocated 400 tickets for Saturday’s fixture at the Crown Oil Arena, with away supporters situated in the Willbutts Lane Stand.
Tickets are now off sale but any that are unsold will be available for purchase on matchday via the Rochdale ticket office, which is located at the David Kilpatrick main stand. Ahead of the game, you can purchase over the phone, in person, or online using the above link.
For ticket prices, coach travel and more information, click here.
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:
Rochdale win - 21/20
Draw - 23/10
Gillingham win - 23/10
Match Officials:
Referee - Jamie Robinson
Assistants - David Woodward & Aaron Hallam
Fourth Official - Steven Copeland
