Preview: Gillingham vs. Salford City - prediction, team news, lineups

While the Gills are pushing to escape the bottom two, Salford City could be back in the playoff positions with three points at the weekend.

Match preview

Gillingham have had a difficult 2022-23 season so far, winning just two games to this point which has left them in the relegation zone.

The Gills will take confidence into Saturday considering the fact that their only wins have taken place at home, and they have only been beaten three times at Priestfield.

Scoring goals has proven to be an issue for the team though, as they have only found the back of the net six times across their 19 league games to this point.

That is summed up by the fact Gillingham have failed to score in their last five League Two matches, with their most recent goal in the competition taking place in late October.

Despite that, the Gills showcased they have the ability to fight for results in their most recent outing which saw Scott Kashket score a 92nd-minute equaliser to earn his team a 1-1 draw in the FA Cup.

On the other hand, the visitors are having a much stronger season as their continued quest to get out of League Two continues.

While the Ammies suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat in their most recent league encounter against Carlisle United, the team responded well in their Football League Trophy fixture against fellow promotion hopefuls Bradford City.

Lorent Tolaj scored the only goal of that game to grant his team the victory which should have brought some confidence back to the group after six games in a row without a win.

Neil Wood will be demanding more from his men this time out, and considering the league positions of both clubs, he will likely see this as a must-win fixture.

Three points has the potential of putting Salford City back into the playoff positions depending on other results of teams around them.

The Ammies have dealt with mixed form on the road this season with five victories, a draw, and three defeats, but more consistency in that front would certainly make a big difference.

Gillingham League Two form:

D

L

L

L

L

D

Gillingham form (all competitions):

W

L

W

L

D

D

Salford City League Two form:

L

W

L

L

D

L

Salford City form (all competitions):

D

L

D

L

L

W

Team News

Considering the fact that Gillingham were able to take a positive result from their FA Cup second round there could be no changes made to the starting XI.

However, after coming off the bench to score the equaliser Kashket will be hoping he did enough to earn a place from the first minute.

Liam Shephard has been missing as of late for Salford City due to a knee problem that has been bugging him since July, and he is likely to remain sidelined at this point.

Jason Lowe and Stephen Mallan are two other players that the Ammies have been missing for long periods as well, with the squad depth being stretched.

A goal for Tolaj against Bradford City is something that should keep him in the starting lineup this weekend with his attacking qualities from midfield making an impact.

Gillingham possible starting lineup:

Turner; Alexander, Wright, Ehmer, McKenzie; MacDonald, Williams, O'Keefe; Gbode, Kashket, Adelakun

Salford City possible starting lineup:

King; Nartey, Vassell, Leak, Touray; Jenkins, Watt, Bailey; Tolaj, Smith, Hendry

We say: Gillingham 0-2 Salford City

Gillingham have been stronger at home than on the road this season, but despite having that improved form it is still unlikely that they will take three points this weekend.

Salford City must get back to winning ways in the league to keep the pressure on the other teams pushing for promotion, and that is what they should be able to do here.

Previews by email