This Week's Opposition: Gillingham

After a run of 7 consecutive league games, which saw the Blues collect 6 wins and 1 draw, it’s time to shift our focus back to The EFL Trophy.

Portsmouth were victorious on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw with the Fulham Under-21s in the side’s first Group Stage game back on August the 22nd.

Matchday number 2 awaits under the floodlit structure of Fratton Park and it’s League Two outfit Gillingham who oppose Pompey.

MANAGER

Former Bristol City and Carlisle United boss Keith Millen is currently the caretaker manager of the Kent-based side.

The 57-year-old took charge of The Gills last Thursday, the 5th of October, following the shock dismissal of Neil Harris at Priestfield.

Harris was dismissed from his role in charge after a run of 3 league games without a win, leaving Gillingham just outside the 4th division Play-Offs, however with 35 games still to play until the end of the season.

Millen was initially brought in as head of academy coaching back in April but is currently overseeing proceedings in the dugout until a successor for Harris can be found.

ONE TO WATCH

The Gills have former Pompey players Shaun Williams and Oli Hawkins within their ranks but it’s striker Macauley Bonne who we’re advising you keep an eye on during this one.

The 27-year-old, Ipswich-born forward, who has the squad number 45, has 2 league goals to his name so far this season.

Bonne was recruited as a Gillingham player in August during a summer transfer window in which the club sought to bring in a whole host of new faces into Priestfield, in a bid to return back to League One.

Macauley Bonne has previously ran out for the likes of Colchester United, Leyton Orient, Charlton Athletic and Queens Park Rangers.

TOP SCORER

With 1 Carabao Cup and 2 league goals to his name at this stage of the season, 29-year-old forward Ashley Nadesan is currently Gillingham’s leading goalscorer.

The striker signed for the club for an undisclosed fee from League Two rivals Crawley Town and was handed the number 10 shirt upon arrival.

Nadesan has never hit double digits in terms of goals in all competitions in any one season during his 7-and-a-half year playing career to date, during such time he has represented Fleetwood Town, Carlisle United and the aforementioned Crawley.

CURRENT FORM

Following last week’s sacking of Neil Harris, Gillingham returned to winning ways on Saturday with a 2-1 league victory at home to the MK Dons.

They now occupy 3rd position in League Two with 22 points from their opening 12 matches, behind leaders Notts County by just 2 points.

In their opening EFL Trophy fixture against Leyton Orient, who were reduced to 9 men in the match at Priestfield back on September the 5th, Gillingham were victorious by 2 goals to 1.

As a result they sit top of the group with 3 points on the board. The Blues are 3rd after their draw with the Fulham Under-21s, as well as the bonus point from the subsequent penalty shoot-out win.

Who will come out on top with this one? Can John Mousinho’s side take a big step towards progression to the knockout stages?

Tune in and catch all of the unmissable action as Portsmouth host Gillingham in their second Group Stage tie of this season's EFL Trophy competition. Pompey Live has you covered on 93.7 FM, DAB Digital Radio, Online & iFollow from 7pm on Tuesday the 10th of October.

Kick-off: 7:45pm