Preview: Gillingham vs. Accrington Stanley - prediction, team news, lineups

The Gills managed to secure a narrow victory away at Stockpot to commence their campaign, while Accrington eased to an opening-day victory against Newport County.

Match preview

Robbie McKenzie come off the bench to fire home late on to hand Gillingham a hard-earned 1-0 victory at Stockport County last Saturday.

McKenzie hammered home from close range in the 86th minute - after a cross from Cheye Alexander was not cleared - to win all three points for the Gills in their opening-day encounter.

Gillingham managed to survive in League Two last season, ultimately finishing 17th in the table, some 12 points above the relegation zone, and head coach Neil Harris will now be looking to push his side towards the top half of the division in 2023-24.

Confidence will be high in the Gillingham camp as they managed to overturn Championship side Southampton in midweek in the first round of the EFL Cup, running out as 3-1 winners courtesy of Ashley Nadesan's strike and Robbie McKenzie's brace.

After five seasons in the third tier, Accrington Stanley were relegated to League Two last season after finishing second-bottom in League One.

Accrington were never in any real relegation danger in their first four seasons, but a series of injury issues last time out saw them struggle to maintain the momentum which they had worked so hard to build during John Coleman's tenure, ultimately finishing two points from safety.

However, the 'Owd Reds eased to an 3-0 opening-day victory in a controlled performance against visiting Newport County last weekend.

Jack Nolan had already stung the hands of Nick Townsend before beating the Exiles goalkeeper from close range in the 24th-minute. Shaun Whalley doubled the lead from a Seb Quirk cross, and Korede Adedoyin struck a third for Accrington in stoppage time.

The 'Owd Reds were beaten on penalties by Bradford City in the first round of the EFL Cup in midweek, so Coleman will want to see his troops respond here.

Gillingham League Two form:

W

Gillingham form (all competitions):

Accrington Stanley League Two form:

W

Accrington Stanley form (all competitions):

Team News

Robbie McKenzie will retain his place in the Gillingham starting lineup after scoring three goals in his two appearances so far this season.

Tom Nichols, who picked up six goals and four assists in 23 games for the Gills last season, looks set to lead the line on Saturday.

As for the visitors, Accrington remain without central midfielder Joe Pritchard, who is recovering from an Achilles tendon rupture.

Apart from that, Coleman could opt for consistency and name the same starting XI that cruised to victory against Newport County, which could see Toby Savin start between the posts, and Josh Andrews start in attack.

Gillingham possible starting lineup:

Turner; Alexander, Ehmer, Ogie, Malone; Coleman, E Williams; Jefferies, Lapslie, McKenzie; Nichols

Accrington Stanley possible starting lineup:

Savin; Mellor, Hills, Rich-Baghuelou, Shipley; Conneely, Leigh, Coyle; Nolan, McConville, Andrews

We say: Gillingham 2-0 Accrington Stanley

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