Gillingham played at home to Milton Keynes on Saturday, losing 4-1, their line up was:
Gillingham will be without O’Keefe for the fixture against the Addicks as he was sent off midway through the first half again Milton Keynes. Tactical wise, they often play a formation us Charlton fans know all about. The diamond was a huge success for us under Bowyer and is a way that Evans has often deployed since taking over at The Gills. Like every team in this division, they have some names who stand out. Jack Tucker at centre back was one that we apparently were interested in during the summer whilst it was reported that we had a bid rejected for Kyle Dempsey in midfield late on in the window.
The biggest danger man has to be Oliver who scored 17 last season, his best ever return in his career. Kelman, his strike partner, is on loan from QPR, the youngster is yet to have a full season under his belt so will be looking to impress. Kyle Dempsey, Gillingham‘s skipper makes them tick in midfield when they get going.
We could also see two brothers come up against each other, Olly Lee plays for Gillingham and scored against us last season so will again want to play a part and get one over his brother. Keep an eye out for their dad, he is bound to be there on Tuesday night.
Charlton Team NewsWe learnt a few days ago the extent of Inniss' injury alongside the news that Schwartz is also set to be out for the same length of time, 2 months. They join Forster-Caskey on the treatment table, although the recovery of the cultured midfielder is going well. We now may have a big squad on paper, but the fitness and match sharpness of several members of the squad remain a concern for Adkins whilst seemingly having to perform a juggling act to find what will work best without players breaking down too quickly. Gilbey, Purrington, Arter, Souare, and probably a few more are all at different points in their fitness.
One thing we have learnt quickly this season is Stockley cannot play up front on his own, we are a much better team when he has a partner who can stretch the defence. We also know that central midfield has been a big issue. Until we have a settled side, until we have a team that does the work defensively and is able to support going forward without leaving gaping holes in the middle, problems will persist. Let's hope with the majority of players getting fitter and stronger, those early season problems will be a thing of the past...
Six changes were made to the trip to Adam’s Park but the same type of performance continued. The only positives from the game to a Lavelle opened his account for his new side which should help him settle and the subs made an impact when they were introduced.
MacGillivray
Gunter | Lavelle | Famewo | Souaré
Dobson | Arter
Lee | Blackett-Taylor
Washington | Stockley
Subs: Harness, Pearce, Clare, Morgan, Kirk, Leko, Davison
Prediction
The short trip down the A2 has seen us struggle at times, but with a fully packed out away end, and hopefully getting behind the players on a Tuesday evening, I could see this having the potential to be a fiery encounter. We all know what to expect from a Steve Evans side, he is going to be in the ear of the 4th official the whole game and often that will influence proceedings. With Stroud as the referee, it only adds another ingredient to that potential. I think we could see at least one red card in this, and if we do, hopefully it won’t us! A horrible loss on the road to Wycombe means a big reaction is needed, otherwise I dread to think what is going to happen. So anything but 3 points would be failure, I just don’t have the heart to predict anything else. A late winner sparks jubilation - it’s the emotional rollercoaster of football after all.
Gillingham 1-2 Charlton Athletic
Comments
I’d go for a similar team but drop Gunter completely from the squad and give Deji a go at right back. Leko up front rather than Stockley if fit enough.
We need to play with more composure on the ball, win more second balls, defend better and press more effectively. Not too much to ask…
If they play a diamond we’ll need to get it right in the middle to avoid losing the battle.
You’ve picked 8 subs, who will you drop?
Expecting the worst.
Sums this season up really
It makes sense as it makes the best of the players we have.
The only difference is I would have Matthews for Gunter.
Whilst we have 8 on ours. Maybe Nigel will let Evans have one of ours.
Late in the second half Gillingham hit the crossbar. Gunter/Matthews smashes the ball out for a throw whilst completely unpressured from the rebound. A poor throw routine gives substitute Elliott Lee a chance to break, he rounds half the team and is scythed down by his evil brother in the 18 yard box.
Our Lee gets the last laugh as he slots home, not once but twice as the ref demands a retake.
Team:
Gunter/Matthews - Lavelle - Famewo - Souare
Dobson
Morgan - Arter
Leko
Washington - Stockley
(Subs: Harness, Pearce, Gunter/Matthews, Purrington, Clare, Lee, Davison)
(Morgan & Leko off around 68, Lee & Clare on.
MacGillivray
Matthews - Lavelle - Famewo - Souare
Leko - Dobson - Clare - B.Taylor
Washington - Davison
Bench:
Harness, Gunter, Elerewe, Morgan, Jaiyesimi/Lee, Kirk, Stockley
*Edit* or:
4-2-3-1
Matthews - Lavelle - Famewo - Souare
Dobson - Clare
Leko - Lee - B.Taylor
Davison
That gives you Washington and Stockley available for a shape change to 4-4-2 if it's not working. (Lee could also join Davison up top)
I've had enough of the whole Gillingham awayday experience so am happy to swerve this and watch on TV
More random formation and personnel changes no doubt PLUS can the likes of Arter and Souare play 2 matches in 4 days? It wouldn't surprise me if Souare was rested
Can't be arsed.
expecting another dismal defeat - will probably be a score draw with a stay of execution for Nige
Gillingham 3-1 (Adkins to be gone before the weekend).
If Gillingham play the diamond I am really worried we will just get totally over run in midfield. Gillingham, not Manchester City, fucking Gillingham. How did it get to this?
Can we afford to leave Stockley out from a defensive point of view?
It should be a case of turn up, play well and probably win. It isn't.
How many of Saturday's team would be able to start on Tuesday if you wanted them to? Must be serious question marks over Arter, Pape and Leko. God this is depressing.
Feel we'll win this 2-0, and the calls for Adkins to go will be eased slightly.
I am not saying Stockley is undroppable, but it will take some man management to keep him motivated after that. He is not the issue, either our setup or execution of a plan is. But of course that was going to happen, as we are using league games as our pre-season. It's all linked.
I dread to think the panic changes he’s going to make here, because of the quick turnaround where does that leave Souare, Arter, Pearce, Washington etc, can they go again 3 days later?
Matthews, Lavelle, Famewo, Souare
Clare, Watson
Lee
CBT, Leko, Washington
Too much turmoil, on the pitch that is, to get a win Vs a Steve evans side which will have had the hair dryer treatment after Saturday.
1-1 in hope.
2-1 in reality.
Of course everyone has a plan until you get punched in the face. You could see it in the MK Dons game, we looked quite good, made one mistake and fell to pieces.
MacGillivray
Gunter | Lavelle | Famewo |Souare
Lee | Dobson | Arter | Blackett-Taylor
We need to score first and we won’t do that with just Stockers up front in a 4-5-1.
If the cliché starts that Adkins has lost the dressing room then "Lost" is the buzz word on and off the pitch.
I was at the valley for the Cheltenham game and have seen the goals on quest and heard comments on CL about the Wycombe match. No positives other than both teams didn't score 5 against us.
Gillingham 2 Charlton 3
I keep seeing Davison score a brace and Lee with the 3rd.
No idea why I just said that other than I feel lost in my own Charlton quicksand and I want to dream, believe and achieve.
Nurse, nurse, bring me my medication