The Gills return to Priestfield on the back of last weekend’s 5-2 win at Torquay – but will face a stern task against an in-form Oxford.
Among one of a number of teams expected to challenge this season, the U’s are up to third in the current table after a seven-match unbeaten run.
Despite a season already showing signs of frustrating inconsistency, the Gills would go ahead of the U’s with a win at Priestfield.
But for all their free-flowing stuff at times on the road – they have twice scored five away from home this season – things are altogether tougher at home, scoring nine in six games so far.
Trying to find a way to break teams down at Priestfield more easily may well be easier said than done, but the Gills will be hopeful of starting that task against Oxford.
The opposition: Just two league defeats all season shows that Chris Wilder’s side are a tough proposition in their second season back in the league.
A win at Swindon in August showed their intentions, and they had won four in a row on the road until last weekend, when they needed a last-minute equaliser to get a draw at Macclesfield.
Their only defeats so far in the league have been at Rotherham and Crewe, the last of them coming on September 3.
Big day for… Andy Hessenthaler himself has big team selection decisions to make – and has to find a way to become more consistent – especially at Priestfield.
Gillingham Team News:
The Gills could be able to welcome back skipper Andy Frampton and midfield duo Danny Jackman and Charlie Lee.
They will be added to the 13 fit pros who travelled to Torquay last weekend.
Jack Payne is back in training but unlikely to be risked after his long lay-off, while Danny Kedwell’s toe injury is likely to keep him out again – saving Andy Hessenthaler probably his toughest selection call.
Long-term absentees Barry Fuller, Danny Spiller and Adam Birchall are all out.
Player to watch: Jo Kuffour
Two goals last week and looking incredibly sharp as he returns to full fitness.
Oxford United Team News:
Oxford’s on-loan striker Andy Haworth is a definite absentee after suffering an ankle injury at Macclesfield last weekend.
Robbie Hall is likely to be his replacement after scoring the point-saving goal at Moss Rose.
Tom Craddock, Tony Capaldi and Anthony Tonkin are all out injured.
Player to watch: James Constable
Always a dangerman for the U’s in attack.
