KSN are proud to support:

Gillingham v Stoke City Preview
Gillingham v Stoke City Preview

FA Cup fever come to Gillingham this weekend as they look to cause a shock and dump out Premier League side Stoke City.

Saturday’s game at Priestfield is arguably the biggest game of The Gills season so far and the return of former manager Tony Pulis has guaranteed a full house.

With both sides in form and riding high in their respective leagues, Gillingham will be keen to cause an upset, or at least battle for a draw that would not only see them in Sunday’s Fourth Round draw, but earn them a money spinning replay at the Brittania Stadium.

Andy Hessenthaler’s side almost picks itself at present, with the only real doubt being as to who plays at left back with Joe Martin suspended.

The most likely option is that skipper Andy Frampton will slot into that berth with Matt Lawrence partnering Garry Richards in the heart of the defence.

Charlie Lee should be restored to the starting line up at right back with Lewis Montrose forming a five man midfield behind Danny Kedwell.

No new signings at Priestfield this week, along with being unable to secure a deal for striker Jo Kuffour who is still suffering from bronchitis means Hessenthaler will have to load his bench with whoever else is available to him.

Danny Spiller, Adam Birchall, Barry Fuller and Matt Fish could be joined on the sidelines by Simon King who has been suffering with a keen injury of late and is set to miss the game.

Meanwhile, Dennis Oli should be deemed fit enough to take his place amongst the seven substitiutes after overcoming a bout of flu.

One man that may be back for Gillingham is midfielder Luke Rooney who has served his two match suspension after being sent off at Crawley on Boxing Day, however he is rumoured to have been subject to a substantial bid from Swindon Town.

Therefore, The Gills could line up like this:

Flitney, Lee, Richards, Lawrence, Frampton, Whelpdale, J Payne, Montrose, Weston, Jackman, Kedwell.

Subs: Gazzaniga, Davies, Rance, Rooney, Oli, S Payne, Miller.

As for Stoke, they are expected to make changes to the side that won at Blackburn with Peter Crouch one of those likely to be rested.

Goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, defender Matthew Upson and striker Kenwyne Jones are poised to replace Tommy Sorensen, Ryan Shawcross and Peter Crouch, while the midfielders Matthew Etherington and Glenn Whelan may be rested.

The game will also see Gillingham reunited with referee Mark Halsey who takes charge of the game. He was the man in the middle when The Gills lost the Play-off final against Manchester City at Wembley in 1999.

TAGS:  ,

 
Seo