Gillingham vs Notts County Preview: Team News, Prediction

Gillingham welcome Notts County to the Priestfield Stadium on Saturday evening as they aim to open up a lead at the top of the table.

The Gills currently sit at the top of the table on 15 points with Swindon Town and Walsall closely behind, with goal difference the only thing separating the sides.

Preview

Gillingham have made an impressive start to the League Two campaign and remain one of only two teams yet to suffer defeat, collecting four wins and three draws from their opening seven matches.

The Gills' unbeaten run includes a 2-2 draw with fellow in-form side Bromley last time out, and under Gareth Ainsworth they are now 16 league games without defeat, a record he will be eager to extend on Friday evening.

Defensively, Ainsworth's side have been rock-solid, conceding just five goals so far – the joint-best defensive record in the division.

Notts County, meanwhile, have endured an inconsistent start after reaching the play-off semi-finals last season, winning three, drawing two and losing two of their seven outings.

There has also been change behind the scenes, with director of football Roberto Gagliardi stepping down this week just five months after his appointment, having overseen a summer of significant squad turnover.

On the pitch, County have scored 12 goals, one of the highest tallies in League Two, with summer signing Matthew Dennis proving to be their standout performer.

The forward has already netted five times and provided an assist, form that earned him the League Two Player of the Month award.

History favours the hosts going into the game with The Gills leading the head-to-head record, with 17 wins to Notts County's 12. The fixture has also seen six draws.

Team news

Gillingham will be without experienced winger Garath McCleary, who serves a suspension, while the management team are monitoring one or two fitness concerns that may be assessed right up until kickoff.

There is some positive news on the injury front, with Seb Palmer-Houlden and Shad Ogie both pushing for returns, while Bradley Dack is also in contention to feature.

New arrivals Jonny Smith and Travis Akomeah are available to make their home debuts and could be handed minutes as Ainsworth looks to keep his squad fresh.

Jayden Luker remains sidelined for County but the visitors have no new injuries to contend with according to multiple online sources.

It is expected that Martin Paterson will deploy a similar side to the one that beat Fleetwood last weekend.

We Say: Gillingham 1-0 Notts County.

Ainsworth's Gillingham may not be producing the most thrilling football, but their resilience and organisation have been key to their unbeaten start.

Notts County will likely struggle to break down such a disciplined defence, and the Gills' ability to grind out results could see them edge another narrow victory.