Match Preview: AFC Wimbledon V Gillingham

AFC Wimbledon Vs Gillingham Match Preview

After Saturday’s impressive 2-2 draw at League leaders Luton Town, Gillingham are on the road again as they face improving AFC Wimbledon at the Cherry Red Record Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

After appearing to be cut adrift at the bottom of the league, Wally Downes has turned the fortunes round for the Wombles who have won their last three games in the league and are now well amongst the pack.

Both teams are involved in the relegation battle that stretches across the whole of the bottom half of the league and both sides will know the importance of not losing to a relegation rival with eight games left to play

Head-to-head;

Last time at The Cherry Red Record Stadium:

AFC Wimbledon 1-1 Gillingham

A Sean Clare effort just before the break earned ten-man Gillingham a point on a feisty affair in London. Ady Pennock’s men fell behind to an effort from Andy Barcham but Clare’s only goal in a Gills shirt secured the point.

Lee Martin saw red just before Clare’s goal for an off the ball incident. The result kept Gillingham stuck to the bottom of the league, without a win all year.

Last time out;

Luton Town 2-2 Gillingham

Unbeaten in 24 league games, the challenge couldn’t have been much harder for Steve Lovell’s side but goals from Tom Eaves and Luke O’Neill helped Gillingham to a gritty point at the league leaders.

In front of a packed out Kenilworth Road, The Gills came from behind twice to move a point closer to safety.

Team News:

Gillingham look set to welcome Alex Lacey back in to the squad as Steve Lovell has a near full squad to choose from. Ricky Holmes is 50/50 as he steps up his rehabilitation while billy Bingham is to start full training on Monday.

Man in the Middle – Lee Collins

Mr Collins last game was the 4-0 win over Bradford City in October 2018 where he awarded Gills a penalty in the second half. He also was in the middle for the 4-0 win over Sheffield United on the opening day of the 2015/2016 season

What are the odds of that?

The in-form Wombles are favourites according to SkyBet with the home side at 6/5 while the Gills are 11/5 to return to Kent with all three points. If you fancy Tom Eaves to net his 20^th goal of the season in a 1-0 win you could get 30/1 on that.