Gillingham v AFC Wimbledon preview
Friday 7 September 2018 10:44, UK
Gillingham could have midfielder Mark Byrne available again following a hamstring problem for the Sky Bet League One match against AFC Wimbledon.
Captain Gabriel Zakuani, though, remains a doubt as the defender has been carrying a shoulder injury which saw him rested from the midweek Checkatrade Trophy 4-0 defeat at Portsmouth.
On-loan Tottenham defender Connor Ogilvie could retain his place in the side, but forward Josh Parker is away on international duty with Antigua and Barbuda. Midfielders Regan Charles-Cook and Dean Parrett (both hamstring) continue their recovery.
AFC Wimbledon will have defender Rod McDonald available for selection again following suspension. McDonald had to sit out the 3-0 league defeat at Burton last weekend after being sent off during the Carabao Cup tie against West Ham.
Forwards James Hanson, Jake Jervis, on loan from Luton, and midfielder Mitch Pinnock were among those given opportunities for the midweek Checkatrade Trophy opener against Charlton, so could be in contention again.
Fit-again midfielder Tom Soares will be hoping to retain his place after scoring a fine goal before coming off during the second half of the 2-2 draw, from which the Dons collected an extra point after winning the penalty shoot-out.
Opta stats
Gillingham's only victory over AFC Wimbledon in their eight previous meetings came in October 2012 (1-0), drawing four and losing three of the seven other matches.
AFC Wimbledon have scored at least two goals in their four previous meetings to the MEMS Priestfield Stadium, netting 10 times overall.
Gillingham have kept just a single clean sheet in their last 11 League One games (W3 D3 L5).
AFC Wimbledon have won just one of their last 10 League One games (D6 L3) and none of the last five (D2 L3).
Only Barnsley's Victor Adeboyejo (two) has scored as many goals from the bench as Gillingham's Tom Eaves (also two) in League One so far this season.
