Gillingham expect to have defender Bradley Garmston available again following a hamstring problem for the visit of Bristol Rovers.

Striker Conor Wilkinson should also be involved after a knee problem ruled him out of last weekend’s defeat at Plymouth.

Midfielder Elliott List returned to the squad against the Pilgrims, coming off the bench late in the second half, so could feature again.

Billy Bingham remains sidelined as the midfielder continues his rehabilitation from a broken ankle.

Steve Lovell must decide whether to restore defender Gabriel Zakuani to the starting line up having elected to keep the international on the bench at Plymouth.

Sitting 21st in the league, The Gills could do with another three points to take some of the pressure off going into the busy Christmas period.

Joe Partington is expected to retain his role in front of the Rovers’ back four. Partington has spent most of his career in defence, either at full-back or as a central defender.

But the former Wales Under-21 international has impressed as a holding midfielder in home wins over Rotherham and Southend. Ollie Clarke and Chris Lines are candidates to start should Rovers boss Darrell Clarke choose to play an extra midfielder at Priestfield.

Gillingham are currently enjoying a five-match winning run over Bristol Rovers at home in the league, scoring 15 goals at an average of three per game.

The Pirates have managed just one win in their last seven league clashes with Gillingham (D1 L5), a 2-1 triumph in October last season.

Gillingham have failed to win any of their previous six home matches in League One (D4 L2); in fact, the Gills have won just one of their last 11 matches at the Priestfield Stadium (D5 L5).

Bristol Rovers have won back to back League One matches for the third time this season – the last time the Pirates won three on the bounce in the league came back in May 2016 in League Two.

Tom Eaves has scored 50% of Gillingham’s 16 league goals this season (8 goals), the highest ratio of any player in the division.