Gillingham will be hoping to avoid a fifth defeat in a row on Saturday when they welcome Sunderland to Priestfield Stadium in EFL League One action.

The Gills’ 1-0 loss against Ipswich Town on Tuesday means the Blues have now lost four games in a row without scoring. After sitting fourth in League One after five games, Steve Evans’ side have slid to 16th in the table with 10 points on the board from nine matches.

Goalkeeper Joe Lumley is expected to make his debut for the club after signing on a emergency loan deal on Friday. The 25-year-old is set to deputise for the injured Jack Bonham over the next two league games. 

Jacob Mellis meanwhile has been ruled out for the season with cartilage damage, joining Stuart O’Keefe, who suffered a broken leg in the early weeks of the season, on the long-term treatment table.

Tom O’Connor will also miss Saturday’s game, whilst Ryan Jackson, Vadaine Oliver and John Akinde are all doubts.

Evans will be boosted by the return of Connor Ogilvie from suspension, however.

Sunderland are seventh in League One, but go into the game off the back off a loss against Portsmouth and a draw against Rochdale.

Luke O’Nein is available again for selection after serving a ban, in the meantime recovering from an ankle injury 

Jordan Willis faces assessment on an ongoing patella tendinitis issue, with Dion Sanderson fit following a knock in midweek.

The teams are yet to meet this season, but crossed paths four times last campaign. Gillingham’s last game before the season was curtailed was a 2-2 draw at the Stadium of Light, whilst they also recorded two wins and another draw against the Black Cats.

Saturday’s hosts won last season’s equivalent 1-0 thanks to a late Connor Ogilvie strike.

Fans of course will not be able to attend the game in person, but an iFollow pass can be purchased for £10 to stream the game live via either club’s website. Gillingham season ticket holders can watch for free.

Kick-off is scheduled for 13:00 BST.

Image courtesy of Gillingham FC