Moor Lane prepares for a battle between two sides with contrasting ambitions as Salford City hosts Gillingham this weekend. While they only have two meetings in their history, both encounters hold significance for both teams, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming match.
Salford City currently finds itself struggling in 19th place, just three points clear of the relegation zone. Their recent form has been inconsistent, with a convincing 2-0 victory over Colchester followed by a heavy 5-1 defeat to league leaders Mansfield Town.
Gillingham, on the other hand, sits comfortably in 8th place, just outside the play-off positions. They have shown signs of improvement under new manager Stephen Clemence, securing a crucial 1-0 victory over Wrexham in their last outing.
Despite their short head-to-head record, the two clashes between Salford and Gillingham have provided contrasting fortunes for each side. In their first meeting, a League Two encounter in December 2021, Salford secured a comfortable 3-0 victory at Priestfield Stadium.
However, the Gills exacted revenge in the final match of the 2022/23 season, winning 1-0 at Moor Lane thanks to a Cheye Alexander penalty. This victory secured them a play-off spot, while Salford narrowly avoided relegation
This contest presents a crucial opportunity for both teams.
Salford will be desperate to bounce back from their recent slump and distance themselves from the relegation zone. Their home advantage and an attacking line-up, including the in-form Callum Hendry, could be key factors in their quest for victory.
Gillingham, aiming to solidify their position in the top half of the table, will need to build upon their defensive solidity and exploit any weaknesses in the Salford backline. The experience of players like Ryan Jackson and Jordan Graham could prove crucial in their hunt for three points.
These two sides are inseparable at the bookies ahead of this weekend’s game and they are both priced @ 6/4 whilst a draw is currently priced @ 5/2.
We are backing Gillingham to win and both teams to score because they come into the tie with the superior league form, having won three of their last five. Furthermore, the Gills have enjoyed this fixture in recent years.