Controversial managers Paul Lambert and Steve Evans will go head to head for the first time since two heated exchanges back in September as Evans’ Gillingham make the trip to Lambert’s Ipswich Town.

The pair clashed after Ipswich’s 1-0 victory at Priestfield on September 21, then refused to shake hands in a Leasing.com Trophy game a few days later.

The disagreement came after Evans claimed Lambert was disrespectful to some of his players in the game. Lambert took exception to Evans and his comments, firing his own accusations, and firmly stated he would “never interact with him (Evans) again”.

In terms of the game itself, if one looks at the league table, it suggests the match should be a routine win for the home side in front of an expected near 23,000 crowd. The form book, however, suggests differently.

Ipswich are winless in normal time in eight games – they won on penalties against Peterborough in the second round of the Leasing.com Trophy on December 4 – whereas Gillingham have just one loss in their last nine, including six wins.

Although the Gills have climbed up to 12th in League One with their recent good form, their positive performances have largely been at home.

Steve Evans’ men have won six games in a row at home, however have just one away win so far this season. Their positive home showings can’t distract them from the fact the away form needs improving – they’ll be hoping it does just that on Boxing Day.

The Gills have no new injury concerns following Saturday’s win against MK Dons. Steve Evans will be hoping the long-waited return of Matty Willock is near, and he will, of course, more than likely be without Mark Byrne for the rest of the season.

It’s possible Evans will rotate his team for the matchup, but it’s certainly a big game for the Gills, so the Scot may go with his tried and trusted 11 that has started the previous two games; expect to see Brandon Hanlan and Mikael Mandron lead the line and pose a strong threat for the Gills. 

The game promises to be a hard fought one by both sides. Whoever comes out victorious, they will have had to fight for it.