Two sides at opposing ends of the League Two table are set to come together on Saturday afternoon when second-placed Gillingham host 23rd-placed Accrington Stanley at Priestfield Stadium.
The hosts sit on 19 points after 10 games, from six wins, one draw and three losses, while the visitors have just six points after nine outings, from one win, three draws and five losses.
Match preview
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Gillingham suffered a heartbreaking relegation from League One in the 2021-22 season, finishing in the final relegation spot on goal difference behind Fleetwood Town as both teams ended the season with 40 points, bringing their nine-year stay in the third division to an end.
Since then, the Gills have had to steadily rebuild in League Two, finishing in a disappointing 17th place in the 2022-23 season, before improving to 12th in 2023-24, ending just six points adrift of the playoff positions.
Gillingham appeared on course for a top-seven finish as the season entered its final stages, but just four points from their last five fixtures saw them fall short, leading to the dismissal of manager Stephen Clemence.
Mark Bonner was appointed ahead of the 2024-25 campaign with the aim of securing at least a playoff spot, and the Gills have made a strong start in their pursuit of that goal.
Bonner's team lost only one of their first eight league matches, securing six victories and one draw, however, they have since endured two consecutive defeats against Grimsby Town and Crewe Alexandra, a streak that Gillingham will look to break with a win in this match.
Accrington could provide the hosts with the perfect opportunity to do exactly that, with the visitors heading into this game having won just one of their opening 12 matches across all competitions this term.
Those results have left them in 23rd place in the standings with only six points from nine league fixtures, although they do have a game in hand on the teams around them, putting them at risk of a second relegation in three seasons after being relegated from League One in 2022-23.
John Doolan's team secured their only victory of the season in their most recent league match, beating Morecambe 2-1, a result that could boost their confidence following their poor start to the campaign.
However, Accrington have struggled in this fixture in past years, failing to triumph against the Gills in any of their last five meetings, losing four and drawing one.
Team News
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After suffering two consecutive defeats leading up to this match, Bonner may choose to name several changes in an effort to rejuvenate the team and stop that losing streak.
The defence, however, is likely to stay the same given Gillingham have conceded just five goals in the league, leaving them with the joint-best defensive record in the division.
Aaron Rowe is unlikely to make his return to the side with the forward still yet to make an appearance since coming off in the 20th minute of their 1-0 win against Chesterfield, meaning Jayden Clarke could keep his place in the team.
As for the visitors, Dara Costelloe scored both goals in their first win of the season against Morecambe, but the forward was taken off with an injury in the final minutes of that game and remains a doubt for this one.
Elsewhere, Doolan may choose to field the same lineup that won that match as he looks to build on that positive result, with the exception of Tyler Walton replacing Costelloe.
Gillingham possible starting lineup:
Morris; Hutton, Ehmer, Ogie, Clark; Little, McKenzie; Wakeling, Hawkins, Clarke; Nevitt
Accrington Stanley possible starting lineup:
Crellin; O'Brien, Aljofree, Rawson, Awe, Love; Whalley, Conneely, Khumbeni, Walton; Mooney
We say: Gillingham 2-0 Accrington Stanley
While Gillingham are heading into this game on the back of two successive losses, they should still be confident of securing a victory against an Accrington side that have won just once this term.
With the Gills also boasting home advantage, where they have won four and lost one this season, we expect a straightforward win for the hosts.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Ellis Stevens
