League Two: Newport County set to make changes at Gillingham

The Exiles travel to Kent in League Two to face a much-fancied Gillingham side who have lost four games on the spin.

That they are still sixth, three points off the promotion spots, shows how strong their start to the season was.

Their recent troubles mean that County are actually the team with the better form given that they have only lost three on the spin.

Nelson Jardim’s team performed pretty well the 3-1 loss at Bradford but were lethargic and uninspired when beaten 1-0 at Harrogate.

That sluggishness continued into the first half of Friday’s home defeat to Chesterfield before things improved after the break.

County could easily have shared the spoils – something they haven’t done since the start of January – but instead lost 3-0, with Will Grigg twisting the knife with a late brace.

The second-half showing gives Jardim food for thought as he aims to get his side back on track.

The head coach has some selection headaches in defence with all senior four centre-backs available.

Does Kyle Jameson pay the price for the first-minute communication clanger with goalkeeper Nick Townsend that gifted the Spireites the opener?

Cameron Evans dropped out of the XI for Ciaran Brennan to continue at right-back, but he didn’t convince there.

If it’s not a return for Evans then Kent native Matt Baker is another option after missing out against Chesterfield because of his international exertions with Wales Under-21s.

STARTER? Kai Whitmore impressed off the bench on his County return from injury (Image: Kian Abdullah/Huw Evans Agency)

It will be a surprise if Cameron Antwi holds onto his starting spot in midfield – Kai Whitmore added energy and aggression after coming on at half-time.

He will be a shoo-in for the XI if it is deemed he is fit enough to start after his return from a calf injury.

Winger Michael Spellman is another option with Kieron Evans and Bobby Kamwa vulnerable while Kyle Hudlin could get the nod up front.

County need to be more solid at the back and have to be more clinical in the final third if they are to avoid defeat on the road for only the second time this season.

Possible County XI: Townsend, C Evans, Clarke, Brennan, Glennon, Morris, Wildig (captain), K Evans, Whitmore, Spellman, Hudlin.

THE OPPOSITION

Gillingham lost 1-0 at home to Grimsby at the start of October then 2-0 at Crewe before being stunned 2-1 at Priestfield by struggling Accrington.

On Saturday they were edged out 2-1 by Bradford at Valley Parade but boss Mark Bonner, who took over this summer, wasn’t too alarmed.

“I thought that we warranted something from the game,” he said. “I thought that it was a fairly balanced and even game.”

Gillingham are without the injured Elliot Nevitt, Armani Little and Robbie McKenzie.

COUNTY STATS

Leading scorer: Aaron Wildig (four).

Most assists: Anthony Glennon (three).

League position: 15th (15 points).

Form guide: LWWLLL.

GILLINGHAM STATS

Leading scorer: Jayden Clarke (four).

Most assists: Jack Nolan, Remeao Hutton (two).

League position: 6th (19 points).

Form guide: WWLLLL.

PROBLEMS: Gillingham boss Mark Bonner has a long injury list (Image: Steven Paston)

MATCH ODDS

Gillingham 4/7, draw 13/5, County 4/1.

LAST TIME

County have done the double over the Gills in the last two seasons and the trip to Kent was sadly eventful last October.

Omar Bogle scored a pair of penalties in a shock 2-0 win at Priestfield but the victory was overshadowed by the striker being racially abused by a fan.

The Exiles backed up that win with a 1-0 triumph when the teams met in Newport with the only goal of the game coming from Will Evans.

Tuesday League Two fixtures

AFC Wimbledon v Morecambe, Barrow v Notts County, Cheltenham v Bradford, Chesterfield v Colchester, Doncaster v Bromley, Fleetwood v Crewe, Gillingham v Newport County, Harrogate v Port Vale, Milton Keynes Dons v Accrington, Salford v Swindon, Tranmere v Grimsby, Walsall v Carlisle.