Gillingham manager Neil Harris expected weekend opponents Lincoln City to be competing higher up the League 1 table.

The Gills come up against a side that have struggled this term, after enjoying plenty of success in recent seasons, and last year’s losing play-off finalists are currently just five points above the drop zone.

Harris was at Sincil Bank recently to watch the Imps lose 1-0 to Doncaster Rovers - who were bottom at the time. Lincoln’s poor form continued with a 3-1 midweek loss to Bolton Wanderers.

Commenting on their weekend opponents, Harris said: “They have good players. You look at their teamsheet and it is an excellent League 1 team, one that I would expect to be competing.

"No disrespect to Lincoln, there are bigger clubs in the division, but their players in my opinion are top six or eight in the division at least, it just hasn’t happened for them. Michael will have his reason why it hasn’t happened, all I know is on paper they have a very good side and a distinct way of playing. It is another tough game for us.”

The Gills are hoping to close the gap to safety after missing the chance against Wimbledon, quite literally. Despite bossing that game they were unable to find the net as the game finished goalless.

Gillingham have struggled for goals all season.

Harris said: “We need to win games of football to stay in the division, but I am here for the long-term and my players are enjoying every moment and every day with us at the moment. We are playing with a lot of freedom.

"Lincoln, in their own eyes, have probably not quite hit the standards where they want to be points wise and that brings pressure as well.”

A big Lincoln crowd could turn restless if the Gills start well.

Having been at that recent Doncaster game, Harris said: “There was a great atmosphere, I really enjoyed the game, I thought Lincoln played really well for 30 minutes and the fans made some noise. As the games go on and you don’t quite get that breakthrough or the expectation levels aren’t hit then they can be frustrated as well. We have seen that this season already, going to Ipswich and going to Morecambe.

“For us, it is about being really professional in our away performance and when the opportunities come we need to take them.”

The Gills have tightened up at the back under Harris, having gone to the wing-back system, but the manager might change that at some stage and he’s considering his options before the weekend.

He said: “First day we played 3-4-3 against Crewe, partly because of what we had available and the fact that we had shipped seven goals 72 hours before and that Crewe had played a back three for 18 months, they changed it for the occasion because they thought I would play 4-4-2! You can second guess people.

“Is it here to stay? Possibly. Lincoln play 4-2-3-1 with one down the middle so I might go to a back four, I will mix and match as I see fit. We have to look at the players, there are some who have done a lot for me in a short space of time and I will have to look at their fitness levels.

"I could go to a four at any stage and certainly won’t be afraid of doing it.”

Harris has had two wins since taking charge at the start of the year, both victories coming at home. He hopes to have some on their travels now as well.

He said: “Our fans have been monumental at home but away from home might suit us, the style of play, more onus on the opposition to break us down and score goals and someone like Lincoln, they should be doing a lot better than they are, they need to win games of football as well.

"There is no pressure on me and my players again, other than that we want to improve all the time. Lincoln I think need to be winning games as well.”