Gillingham v Aldershot

The first of three successive home League 2 matches for Gillingham sees them host Aldershot on Tuesday night at Priestfield.

Two straight defeats for the Gills have seen them slip out of the play-off picture and manager Mark Stimson is ready to throw in a few surprises for the visit of the Shots, who haven’t won since Boxing Day.

“There is not a place guaranteed,” said Stimson. “What we have now is a group of players where there is competition for places in every position and that’s good.

“We might throw in a few surprises and give people games where they’ll be saying why is he playing.

“The most important thing now is winning. If we get enough points from the next three games it puts you in that bracket with eight games to go. I’m sure with the quality we’ve got we’ll get there.”

Stimson will be telling his players to cut out the tricks and keep it simple.

He said: “I asked the players if they watched Brazil and Spain the other night. It’s a different level but those players just kept it simple. Simple to the final third, and then they show their magic.

“That’s what all teams that succeed do. Keep it basic and play to your strengths.”

The Gills could be without influential defender Simon King (ankle). Mark McCammon and Albert Jarrett may be fit to take part, albeit with a spot on the bench.

Listen to Mark Stimson talking about the importance of the next three home games by clicking the link at the top of the page