Gillinghamvs.Walsall

The Gills are a bottom-half team in mixed form, but they still have a better record in recent matches than the league-leading Saddlers.

Match preview

John Coleman's Gillingham have kept themselves comfortably clear of the relegation zone by taking seven points from their last four games, winning two, drawing one and losing one ahead of this weekend's clash.

Most recently, the Gills followed up an impressive 1-0 win over second-placed Bradford City by earning a point on the road to Accrington Stanley last Sunday.

That stalemate has Coleman's team 19th in the fourth tier, level on 42 points with MK Dons and a strong 12 above 23rd-placed Morecambe, though higher ambitions than survival are out of reach this campaign.

That being said, the hosts will want to end the season strongly and could have a say in the title race this weekend, something that their opponents will be aware of coming up against a side that have won back-to-back home games by keeping clean sheets.

Three points on Saturday could take Gillingham up to 17th in the table, leapfrogging both MK Dons and Barrow in the process.

Meanwhile, Mat Sadler's Walsall have shockingly seen their seemingly unassailable lead at the top of League Two reduced to just three points after a disastrous two months in which they have only won two of their 12 matches.

Last time out, the Saddlers made it five games without a win when they drew 2-2 with 11th-placed Bromley, and after being beaten by Swindon Town and dropping points against bottom side Carlisle United in recent weeks, it would be fair to say that there is no team that are incapable of causing problems for the title chasers.

That stalemate would have cost Sadler's team their spot at the top of the pile, but they have been incredibly lucky that rivals Bradford have unexpectedly lost back-to-back games against Tranmere Rovers and this weekend's opponents, Gillingham.

The visitors have a chance to get back on track on Saturday, but with only one win to their name away from Bescot Stadium in 2025, they will be low on confidence for the trip.

If Walsall are to earn a desperately needed win, then they could extend the gap at the top to six points if Bradford lose again, and every point is crucial with nine games to play.

Gillingham League Two form:

D

L

W

L

W

D

Walsall League Two form:

W

D

L

D

L

D

Team News

Gillingham will be hoping to have their say in the title race, and they will be relying on a solid defence of Andy Smith, Conor Masterson and Sam Gale to keep another clean sheet this weekend.

Further forward, Jimmy Morgan should operate in an attacking midfield role, from where he will provide support for strikers Joseph Gbode and Oliver Hawkins.

As for Walsall, centre-forward Ellis Harrison was withdrawn with an injury early on against Bromley, so expect him to miss out this time around.

In his absence, Levi Amantchi should start after scoring from the bench in that game, and he will join captain Jamille Matt up top.

Gillingham possible starting lineup:

Morris; Smith, Masterson, Gale; Hutton, McKenzie, Little, Clark; Morgan; Gbode, Hawkins

Walsall possible starting lineup:

Hornby; McEntee, Okagbue, Weir; Barrett, Jellis, Comley, Allen, Gordon; Amantchi, Matt

We say: Gillingham 1-1 Walsall

Neither side have been in the strongest form ahead of this weekend, but Gillingham have fared slightly better in recent weeks.

Written by

Anthony Nolan

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