Gillingham will face perhaps their toughest home test of the season this weekend when high-flying Oxford United visit Priestfield.

The Gills are on a seven-game unbeaten league run, and have lost just once in nine home games in all competitions, but Oxford, who sit fifth in League One and just four points off top spot, will prove to be fierce competition on Saturday afternoon.

The reverse fixture saw a dominating performance from Karl Robinson’s side as they swept a poor Gillingham team away 3-0 at the Kassam Stadium back in September with three first-half goals.

Gills boss Steve Evans wants, and expects, a better performance from his side this time round.

“Oxford are the best side we have seen this season so it will be a big test” said Evans on Thursday.

“They are full of good players and they have an outstanding manager.”

“We have to be at our very best to win the game on Saturday. Everyone is working so hard, and, if we continue to do that, we will be rewarded.”

Gillingham could be blessed with the long-awaited return of midfielder Matty Willock, who has been plagued with injuries since signing for the club in the summer. The former Manchester United man could make his first start since the last day of August.

One player who won’t be appearing for the Gills on Saturday is Ouss Cissé. The Mali international also joined Gillingham in the summer window, but has made just five first-team appearances this season. He, on Thursday, joined League Two Leyton Orient on-loan until the end of the season.

Forward man Jordan Roberts could be set to make his home debut after an impressive showing against Peterborough last weekend, but Steve Evans has plenty of options to choose from with just Mark Byrne the only injury absentee.

It’ll be a hard-fought game at Priestifeld and one Gillingham will want to win if they are serious about a Play-Off push. 

The Blues are currently 14th in League One but just five points off the top six. A run of wins now could place them right in the mix.

Expect a tight one.