Gillingham will look to earn an eighth home win in a row when they host Kenny Jackett’s Portsmouth on New Year’s Day.

The Gills added Rochdale to their list of scalps at the weekend and will fancy their chances against a Portsmouth side that have been off the boil this season.

Jackett’s side sit just two points above the Gills in the table in ninth, Gillingham 11th, after having been tipped for promotion at the start of the season.

The two teams drew 0-0 at Fratton Park earlier this campaign and Gillingham are unbeaten in four league games against their opponents, including doing the double over them last season.

There are no fresh injury concerns for Gillingham, however it’s highly likely that Steve Evans will rotate his side from the win against Rochdale.

Wide men Mark Marshall and Alex Jakubiak made a huge difference when they were introduced in the second period of the game, and Evans admitted his side looked tired after naming an unchanged 11 for the fourth game in a row. It’s possible both players will be called for a start but one thing that won’t be changing is the Blues’ defence. 

Sunday’s match winner Connor Ogilvie will be a key man for the side on the left of defence amid rumoured interest from Blackburn, and Barry Fuller will operate on the other side with Max Ehmer and Jack Tucker certs in the centre. Brandon Hanlan will lead the line and work as hard as ever with Oliver Lee operating in behind.

The Gills extended the loan of Southampton utility man Tom O’Connor on December 31 but he may make have to make way for the wingers against Portsmouth. There is no doubt, however, that he’ll be a key man until the end of the season.

It’s a battle the Gills will want to win. They’ve not lost since the November 23, and teams like Pompey are the sort of sides they’ll want to be beating if they really want to challenge for the Play Offs this season.