Crawley Town come to Priestfield on Tuesday night where they are expected to get a less than welcome reception from Gillingham’s fans.

The Crawley boss, Steve Evans, has failed to endear himself to the Gills fans in the past three months since the two sides met on Boxing Day.

Evans’ comments about Gillingham following the game will ensure that he’ll get a hostile reception, whilst having initially reported Gills boss Andy Hessenthaler to the police for a racist insult, the matter was later dropped.

So, there is bound to be a decent atmosphere at Priestfield in a game that could see The Gills climb back into the play-off places.

One man that will be keen to impress on Tuesday night is Gills midfielder Chris Whelpdale who gained international recognition following the meeting between the two sides at Christmas after having his scrotum torn and stitches inserted.

With so much recent history between the two sides, fans should expect a lively encounter in a game that could go a long way to defining Gillingham’s season.

The side almost picks itself with Danny Spiller, Charlie Lee and Lewis Montrose all suspended, however Joe Martin is once again available having served his three game ban.

After Saturday’s 3-0 win at Cheltenham, Hessenthaler is unlikely to be keen on changing a winning side, however there is a slight doubt about striker Dennis Oli who limped off after an hour on Saturday with a knock.

Should he fail to make the game, his place in the side will go to the returning Jo Kuffour who came on for the last half hour at the weekend.

The Gills were boosted by the news that midfielder Olly Lee signed a new youth loan deal on Monday that will see him stay at Priestfield until mid April and he should once again link up with Whelpdale, Jack Payne and two goal hero Jordan Obita in a well balanced four man midfield.

Meanwhile, defender Callum Davies has broken a bone in his hand in training and could be sidelined for up to six weeks.

Therefore, The Gills could line up like this:

Gazzaniga, Fish, Essam, King, Jackman, Whelpdale, O Lee, J Payne, Obita, Kedwell, Oli.

Subs: Hawkes, Frampton, Evans, Kuffour, Miller.