Gillingham Preview

Crewe return to league action on Tuesday night with the visit of Gillingham.

The Kent club have had a eventful start to the 07/08 season. Manager Ronnie Jepson was sacked after just a month, caretaker manager Iffy Onoura spent nearly two months in charge before former Stevenage manager Mark Stimson stepped into the role at the start of November. Stimson was then swiftly followed into the club by five new loanees, four of which have come from the non-league.

They're currently hovering above the relegation zone in 19th position after just two wins in their last seven league games and have, as of yet, only managed to get a single point on the road.

One man has shone through in a time of need though - striker Chris Dickson. Whilst Dickson failed to impress at all whilst on his month loan at Gresty Road, he has managed eight goals in his 11 games for the Gills and impressed enough that Charlton want him back at the end of the month!

Anther notable name in their squad is Efe Sodje. Sodje spent three years at Gresty Road and was a fans favourite throughout with his no-nonsense defending. The bandanna man won't be lining up on Tuesday night though as he is ruled out through injury.

Gills manager Mark Stimson told the official Gillingham website:

"We're expecting a good football game. They will get the ball down, pass it and they will cause you problems if you stand off them or if you try to hunt on your own. You need to go in packs of two or three to try and get the ball. We will go there, try to play and hopefully get this first away win. It is important to get this first away win for the club and the sooner we get it, the better as certain individuals won't worry about that."

Ben Rix is the only fresh injury from the Oldham match and is doubtful for the game. Michael O'Connor is likely to take his place if he is ruled out.

Defender Julien Baudet looks set to replace Bailey in the centre of defence after declaring himself fit.

Nicky Maynard could make his first start since the first day of the season, and Elliott Bennett could also receive his debut.

Possible 11: Williams, Jones, Baudet, McCready, Woodards, Cox, Roberts, Rix, Bennett, Maynard, Church.

After a lively 45 minutes at Oldham, it'll be interesting to see Nicky as he slowly returns to form. If he starts the game he could pose Gillingham more problems than they originally anticipated.

Efe Sodje is still ruled out after his horrific injury at Yeovil last month. Otherwise it's as you were for Mark Stimson, and he could be set to name an unchanged side to the one that beat Hartlepool 2-1 last week.

Possible 11: Royce, Clohessy, King, Bygrave, Armstrong, Bentley, Thurgood, Stone, Oli, Dickson, Griffiths.

Many fans will be keeping an eye on Dickson have showing very little during his spell here. His tally for Gillingham is impressive though, so it'll be interesting to see just what we missed out on - if anything.

Crewe to win - Evens
Draw - 9/4
Gillingham to win - 5/2

Source: Bet365

Graham Laws will be match referee for Tuesday's game. Laws refereed once at Gresty Road last season in the 2-2 draw with Chesterfield. He didn't book anyone that day. He also refereed Gillingham's trip to Northampton last season, booking four players, including Gillingham's Crofts, in a 1-1 draw. So far this season he's refereed 13 games and handed out 34 yellow cards and one red. He will be assisted by Matt Foley and Alan Sheffield. Kevin Mattocks will be the fourth official.

Crewe 2-0 Gillingham.

Crewe vs Walsall
Saturday 8th December
3pm kick off

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