Three losses on the spin and all of a sudden Blackpool’s season hangs in the balance as a trip to Gillingham beckons. Gillingham, who have just convincingly defeated the Cod Army, are struggling this year and currently are placed 17th, but all the while quickly gaining in spirit and confidence. Blackpool, after a lacklustre performance against a defensively astute Bristol Rovers, are in great need of something to get their season back on track and this trip provides just that now that they have had the opportunity to regain their previous energy levels.
Injuries and Suspensions:
Lovell has a fully fit squad to choose from and is likely to name the team that disposed of Fleetwood on Saturday.
Blackpool however still have O’Connor and Gnanduillet finishing off suspensions with Daniels and Howard expected to return to the starting 11. Jimmy Ryan still remains side-lined for the foreseeable future.
Gillingham FC:
Having picked up 2 consecutive victories for the first time since August and with the Leagues top goal scorer, Tom Eaves, on their books, it seems that The Gills are hauling themselves out of what was a tedious position. Eaves, with 11 goals, has really hit peak form and will be a real asset up front for Gillingham, his goal tally which becomes particularly impressive when it becomes apparent that he has done it for a side that is easily in the bottom half of the table. Pool have won just 3 of their 18 visits to Priestfield and with Gillingham quickly finding form, this trend could be set to continue.
Gillingham, one of the few sides to beat Portsmouth this season, and have been scoring for fun at 1.63 goals per game. Their problems, then, lie at the heart of the defence where they have conceded 1.75 per game and this has left them low down in the League. Sort these problems tomorrow, and Blackpool could be in real bother, especially with Gnanduillet still out and both Daniels and Howard in a state where it could go either way.
Gillingham are far from unbeatable and are more of an opportunity than anything for Blackpool, but it could easily be harder than many may think to make the most of this all important game in hand.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheGillsFC
Last Meeting:
Prediction: 2-2
Betting: https://www.oddschecker.com/football/english/league-1/gillingham-v-blackpool/winner
UTP