Gillingham will host AFC Wimbledon on Saturday afternoon in League One action with the hope of moving within two points of the League One play-off places.

The Gills are in scintillating form; they haven’t lost in 15 league games, which is the best record in the Football League. Wimbledon, however, were the last team Gillingham lost to in the competition, back in November when the Wombles prevailed 1-0.

Since then, it’s been a different story for both teams. As mention, Gillingham are undefeated, but Wimbledon are floating just above the relegation places in League One, with no win in their last seven games.

Perhaps the key attraction in the game is the number of players involved that used to play for the other team.

Scott Wagstaff, Callum Reilly, Joe Piggott and Luke O’Neill of Wimbledon are all ex-Gills stars, whilst Blues full-back Barry Fuller captained Wimbledon and made over 200 appearances for the club between 2013 and 2018.

All five players could feature in the game. Gillingham have no fresh injury concerns and have a full squad to choose from apart from long-term absentee Mark Byrne. Wimbledon, meanwhile, will be without Anthony Wordsworth, whilst Paul Osew faces a late fitness test. 

As aforementioned, Wimbledon were victorious in the reverse fixture earlier this season. Priestfield has been a happy hunting ground for the Dons, too – they are let to lose in Kent since the club was reformed, and won last season’s equivalent 1-0 thanks to a goal from former Gill Joe Piggott.

Gills assistant Paul Raynor knows Wimbledon boss Glyn Hodges well. They worked together at Sheffield United’s academy in the past, meaning the two will be even more likely than usual to know what to expect from their opposition. 

It’ll be a fight on Saturday, and the conditions will more than likely play a part. It is important Gillingham are at their best if they want to keep their top six charge alive.