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Blackpool v Gillingham - Match Preview - Written by Lewis Browning

 Gillingham’s men will make the long trip north this Tuesday to take on an out of sorts Blackpool in League One action.


Having drawn 10 of their 14 away games so far this campaign with just one win, Steve Evans’ side must start turning draws into victories if they want to move closer to the much-desired top six.


 There’s plenty of pressure on the Gills going into this one; here’s our preview of the matchup.


 The Details


 Blackpool v Gillingham


 Bloomfield Road


 SkyBet League One


 Tuesday February 11, 7:45pm


 Team News


 Deadline day recruit Jordan Graham could make his full Gillingham debut after impressing off the bench at Burton on Saturday. His introduction could trigger a change of shape for the Gills, with his best position being out wide.


 Alfie Jones is set to travel after missing Saturday’s game with an injury, however the fixture may come too soon for the Southampton loanee. Stuart O’Keefe was an unused substitute at the weekend after he too picked up a knock in the buildup to the game, but he is fit to play.


 Midfielder Matty Willock, who has missed almost all of the season through injury, has been given the green light to feature after coming off against Burton with what has now been confirmed as cramp.

Mark Byrne is the only long-term injury absentee.


 Blackpool will be without winger Sullay Kaikai, who has been carrying an injury for a while and will see a specialist this week. James Husband and Ryan Edwards could return on the night after injury lay-offs - both have now returned to full training. Gary Madine, who was taken off early against Southend at the weekend as a precaution, is set to be fit.


 What The Managers Said


 Gillingham manager Steve Evans: “This will be a really tough challenge for us; Blackpool have outstanding players and a manager to match, and we will need to be at our very best to return to Kent with a point or three.


 “Simon Grayson will have them organised and they will be confident after a good win on Saturday.”


 Blackpool manager Simon Grayson: “Lack of confidence has played a part recently – there’s no doubt about that. When you haven’t won for a period of time, it’s inevitable that doubt starts to set in and you overthink things, but the win at the weekend has lifted the players.


 “We’re not getting carried away with ourselves, but a win is a win and it’s important we back that up with another good performance and another victory on Tuesday night.”


 Form


 Gillingham are still on the longest unbeaten run in League One with no defeats in their last 11 games. They drew their last match 0-0 against Burton Albion on Saturday and, now in double figures for draws on the road this campaign, will want to start turning those one-pointers into three-pointers sooner rather than later.


 The Blues’ last defeat in the League came all the way back on November 23 at AFC Wimbledon. They currently sit 12th in League One and three points ahead of Tuesday’s opponents.


 The Seasiders were on a dreadful run of form before Saturday’s win over Southend, as manager Simon Grayson refers to in his pre-match comments. They had no win in 10 – a run which included seven losses. They will be hoping Saturday’s victory can spark a change in form; they currently occupy 14th place in League One.


 Previous Meetings


 The two teams had to settle for a point each in the reverse fixture at Priestfield earlier this season. An Alex Jakubiak brace had put the Gills 2-0 up, but goals from Sullay Kaikai and now top scorer Armand Gnanduillet just before half-time ensured the spoils were shared.


 In last season’s equivalent of Tuesday’s fixture, Gillingham romped to a 3-0 victory in both sides’ final game of the League One season. Brandon Hanlan opened the scoring early on before Tom Eaves netted a brace in his final game for the Gills. Caretaker manager Mark Patterson picked up three welcomed points, albeit with nothing on the line for either team.


 game will be the 41st meeting between the two clubs. Blackpool lead the way in terms of victories with 15 wins to Gillingham’s 11; there have also been 14 draws.


Officials


 Referee: Darren Handley


 Assistants: Gary Hilton and Paul Graham


 Fourth official: Billy Smallwood


 The game will be a tough one for Steve Evans’ side. Blackpool’s win at the weekend is likely to give them a new burst of life after a poor run of form, and the pressure is well and truly on for the Blues to get a well-needed away win. Let’s hope they can do it and continue their climb up the league table.

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