Gillingham square off against Accrington Stanley on Saturday afternoon knowing that they may have to earn all three points to remain outside of the League One relegation zone.

Although Accrington have little to play, a top-10 finish is still within reach if they are able to put together a strong end to the campaign.

Match preview

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When Gillingham appointed Neil Harris as their new manager at the end of January, it was regarded as a significant coup, one which gave the club a lift after failing to win in 17 matches in all competitions.

Since then, Harris has accumulated 15 points from his 11 games in charge, the 11th-best return during that period, and it has given the Kent-based squad a chance of survival.

As it stands, Gillingham still sit just one point outside of the drop zone having played one game more than 21st-placed AFC Wimbledon, but there is a feeling that they are well set to pull clear over the coming weeks.

Most importantly since his arrival, Harris has avoided back-to-back defeats, and another impressive point was added to their tally as they held Sheffield Wednesday to a goalless draw on March 19.

Despite just one goal being scored in four outings, clean sheets are becoming a regular occurrence, as many as six being posted since the beginning of February.

As far as Accrington are concerned, they head into this game having suffered their second 4-0 defeat in the space of four games, this setback coming at Plymouth Argyle.

If his team come under scrutiny in the build-up to this contest, John Coleman can point to seven points still coming from five games, but it cannot be denied that there is a vulnerability about his team.

Fortunately for the North-West outfit, they have already reached the 50-point mark with eight matches remaining, effectively ensuring that they will remain at the third tier for a fourth successive campaign.

Nevertheless, still 17 points short of last season's total, Coleman will demand a strong end to the season as they attempt to close down the teams in 10th and 11th position.

Team News

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Accrington will be forced into at least one change after goalkeeper Toby Savin was sent off during the second half of the Plymouth defeat.

Having been introduced as a substitute, young deputy Liam Isherwood will make his first league start, but Coleman was left otherwise satisfied with the chances created at Home Park.

Liam Coyle could return to the team to replace Matt Butcher, although Accrington remain without Tommy Leigh who serves the final game of his three-match ban.

Barring any injury issues, Harris is unlikely to make any changes to a Gillingham side which held Sheffield Wednesday last time out.

Despite scoring just once in 18 appearances in League One this season, Charlie Kelman should retain his spot in the attack.

Accrington Stanley possible starting lineup:
Isherwood; Sykes, Nottingham, Rodgers; Clark, Pell, Coyle, Hamilton, McConville; Longelo, Bishop

Gillingham possible starting lineup:
Chapman; Tucker, Ehmer, Masterson; Jackson, O'Keefe, Lee, Thompson, Tutonda; Kelman, Oliver

We say: Accrington Stanley 1-1 Gillingham

Given the contrasting home and away records of the respective teams, there should only be one winner on Saturday. However, with the stakes and desire far higher in the visitors dressing room, we are predicting an hard-earned share of the spoils for Gillingham.

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