Team news

Ben Nugent has been recalled to the Gills defence for the visit of high-flying Charlton.

Alex Lacey is expected to play left-back as Connor Ogilvie is relegated to the bench.

Max Ehmer, meanwhile, could play as a holding midfielder, possibly to negate the affect of Charlton’s dangerous forward Billy Clarke, who plays off main striker Josh Magennis.

Billy Bingham is still missing following a head injury.

Lee Martin misses out through suspension following his dismissal for violent conduct against AFC Wimbledon.

Chairman Paul Scally said in his programme notes before the game: “Ady said after Tuesday’s game that everyone must stick together and be on the same side. I can only echo those sentiments.

“We can achieve an awful lot if we all pull in the same direction and although I do appreciate there is an element of frustration at the moment, we do need to get behind the management and the players.

“Our support lifts them and has the potential to intimidate our opposition.”

It was March 1929 that the Gills last registered a league win over Charlton.

Gillingham: Holy, Lacey, Nugent, Zakuani (c), O’Neill, Ehmer, Byrne, Clare, Wagstaff, Wilkinson, Eaves. Subs: Arnold, Ogilvie, Hessenthaler, Starkey, Parker, Cundle, Nash.

Charlton: Amos, Solly, Pearce, Bauer, Dasilva, Fosu, Kashi, Forster-Caskey, Holmes, Clarke, Magennis. Subs: Phillips, Jackson, Sarr, Konsa, Aribo, Dodoo, Ahearne-Grant.

Follow kentonlinegills on twitter for match updates.

Preview

The only way is up for the Gills as they start the weekend rock bottom of League 1.

It’s now seven league games without a win since the start of this season for Ady Pennock’s men and they entertain a Charlton side who were on a roll before their midweek loss to Wigan.

While the Gills scraped a 1-1 draw at AFC Wimbledon, their near neighbours saw their four game winning streak come to an end with a 3-0 home loss.

Charlton will be backed by close to 2,500 fans on Saturday at Priestfield, while Gills’ ever dwindling home support will be hoping their players can rise to the occasion and finally get a win on the board.

Latest: Ady in the dark after rumours linking Nobby Solano to his job.

Head to head;

Gills wins 4, draws 12, opposition wins 14

League form;

Gillingham: AFC Wimbledon D 1-1 (A), Oxford L 0-3 (A), Shrewsbury L 1-2 (H), Southend D 3-3 (H), MK Dons L 0-1 (A), Bradford City L 0-1.

Charlton: Wigan L 0-3 (H), Southend W 2-1 (H), Oldham W 4-3 (A), Rotherham W 2-0 (A), Northampton W 4-1 (H), Plymouth L 0-2 (A).

Coach Jamie Day spoke to the press ahead of the weekend game;

Stat Attack

Click here for appearances, goals, discipline, ratings and profiles

The last meeting at Priestfield – Gillingham 1 Charlton 1

Gillingham were just as desperate for a win the last time they welcomed Charlton to Priestfield, but had to settle for a point.

The Gills had won just one of their previous nine games and went into that match last October hovering above the relegation zone.

Bradley Dack headed the Gills infront just before the break but they were denied all three points after conceding a last-minute penalty.

Keeper Stuart Nelson had already denied Ricky Holmes from the penalty spot but Nicky Ajose got it right with his spot-kick at the death.

Click here for the match report

Man in the middle - Graham Salisbury

Games refereed this season: 8 (34 yellows / 2 reds)

The Lancashire-based referee last took charge of a Gillingham game in August 2015, when they were beaten 2-0 in the League Cup at Birmingham. No cards were issued that game.

Three years ago he took charge of a game in Doncaster, which the Gills won 2-1, but his last visit to Priestfield for a league game was in January 2013. Gillingham were 2-0 winners that day.

Assistants: Andrew Aylott and Stephen Brown, fourth Official: Louis Marks

One to watch – Josh Magennis

The Northern Ireland striker has been scoring for club and country already this season.

He has three in the league and scored twice while in international duty in a World Cup qualifier against San Marino.

Magennis joined the Addicks last summer, from Scottish side Kilmarnock. He netted a hat-trick in his first season, against Bristol Rovers.

The striker signed a new two year deal in the summer and boss Karl Robinson said the striker ‘must be on cloud nine’ after starting the season so well.

In the opposition camp;

Charlton boss Karl Robinson is eager for his team to make an instant response following their home loss to Wigan in the week.

He said: "We’ve got to go to Gillingham on Saturday as wounded animals, caged animals. That’s got to be our mentality.

"We have got to be aggressive, forward-thinking and on the front foot in a derby.

“I know we have a big part of our fanbase over that way so we’re really looking forward to the challenge.”

Last time out in the league - AFC Wimbledon 1 Gillingham 1

Gillingham survived an early onslaught, conceding first and having a player sent off before the end of the first half to claim a point at Wimbledon.

Sheffield Wednesday loan midfielder Sean Clare impressed with his performance and goal and looks set to keep his place this weekend.

Click here for more pictures from Gills' draw at Wimbledon.

Gills team news;

Gillingham have signed former Chelsea trainee Jesse Starkey in time for Saturday's game.

Lee Martin will miss the next three matches after his straight red card at AFC Wimbledon.

He was dismissed for violent conduct after a challenge with home striker Lyle Taylor.

Defensive midfielder Billy Bingham has missed the last two games with concussion and the medical staff are still considering his availability. Liam Nash will return after missing the midweek game with tonsillitis.

Bradley Garmston was out warming up at Wimbledon but remains a few weeks off a return.

Aaron Morris had an operation on his knee on Tuesday but the Gills still don't know if he will make an appearance this season.

Security notice!

There will be extra security at Priestfield today “due to several recent sporting event incidences.”

Stewards are being told to be “more pro-active” on searching fans and that could mean taking longer to get into Priestfield. Arrive early if you can.

Talking point;

Off-field problems continue to dominate much of the discussion among Gills fans, with the split between the club and their community department rumbling on. This week the GMB union got involved.

This follows on from the news of a court case in the US involving Michael Anderson - who has since stood down as vice chairman - the ongoing battle with former caterers Centerplate and an employment tribunal with previous manager Justin Edinburgh on the diary later this year.

More on the Gills;

Gills keeper tipped for success

The Shouting Men with Finn O'Mara

Ady Pennock willing to take the flak rather than the players

Aaron Morris starts the long road back after knee surgery

Hunger and desire pleased boss after Dons draw

Fancy a punt?

Skybet have priced the Gills at 13/5 for the win but Charlton are favourites, at 19/20. Odds on a draw are 11/4.

Gills striker Conor Wilkinson has yet to get off the mark and he's 5/2 to break that duck.

The last time the Gills beat Charlton at home was in January, 2004, in an unforgettable FA Cup encounter. A repeat of the 3-2 scoreline is 12/1.

Gillingham have yet to score a first-half goal in the league, they're 3/1 to lead Saturday's game at the break.

How do you think the Gills will do?

Beat the pundit;

K Sports manager Kris Browning thinks the Gills will go down to a 1-0 defeat on Saturday. What do you think?