Key Players
Fleetwood Town’s new captain, 37-year-old Ched Evans, has already proven his worth with back-to-back match-winning goals. He scored the first-half winner in the 1-0 Carabao Cup victory over Chesterfield and will be the main threat for the Cods in the league opener. Evans, who previously played for Sheffield United, Chesterfield and Preston North End, netted six times last season and added eight assists, making him a dual threat.
Gillingham will look to the return of James Brophy, the 32-year-old winger who has delivered three chances and a crossbar hit in the 3-0 defeat to Walsall. Brophy, who joined Gillingham from Cambridge United after 250+ appearances, has been used in a number-10 role and brings valuable League Two experience.
Team News
Gillingham
Australian shot-stopper Ashley Maynard-Brewer will keep the gloves after extending his emergency loan from Sheffield Wednesday for another week. Skipper Liam Gordon is expected to sit on the sidelines after a first-half exit in the Walsall match, with Logan Dobbs likely to start in his place. Cameron Antwi and Conor McManus, who featured in the under-21s Premier League Cup against Huddersfield Town, may be named on the bench. Armani Little is a doubt, while Bradley Dack and Ethan Coleman will not travel.
Fleetwood Town
Summer signing Kane Thompson-Sommers is out for the next four months after a forced exit in the season opener. Former Wrexham midfielder Andy Cannon could start in his place. Aaron Loupalo-Bi, a season-long loan from Fulham, will push for a start after a late cameo last week.
Predicted Lineups
Fleetwood Town: Lynch; Rooney, Bennett, Potter; Neal; Cirino, Cannon, Helm, McCann; Evans, Davies. Gillingham: Maynard-Brewer; Smith, Beckles, Dobbs; Freeman, Albarus, McKenzie, Harris; Brophy; Goodwin, Hale.
Match Details
The match will be played at Highbury Stadium, Fleetwood’s home since 1939, with a 15:00 BST kickoff on Saturday, 22 August. The game is only available to watch outside the UK; domestic supporters can purchase audio passes through either club.
With Fleetwood’s recent form and the experience of Ched Evans, the Cods aim to extend their winning streak against the Spirites. Gillingham, after a heavy defeat to Walsall and the loss of Seb Palmer-Houlden to Motherwell, will need to rely on Brophy’s creativity and the forward partnership of Hale and Goodwin to secure their first points of the season.
