Gillingham are back at home this Boxing Day as they welcome Cambridge United to the MEMS Priestfield Stadium.

Gillingham have dropped to 12^th in the table following last Saturday’s loss at Fleetwood Town. They are five points away from the playoff places and ten points away from the top.

The loss away at Fleetwood was the Gills’ first loss since 25^th October, but their recent run of draws has led to a drop in league position – their last win was against Bristol City on 8^th November.

Despite taking the lead after 14 minutes, the Gills gave away two second-half goals for the second time in as many weeks. Manager Ainsworth described the result as “tough to take” as the club go into the hectic Christmas period.

Cambridge, meanwhile, sit 8^th in the table, four points above Gillingham and one away from the playoff places. They are unbeaten since 25^th October and have won three of their last five games.

Cambridge head Coach Neil Harris is no stranger to ME7, having both played for and managed the Gills. This will be his first visit to Priestfield since being dismissed by the club in October 2023.

Gillingham and Cambridge United have played each other 24 times in total, with the Gills winning 15 and Cambridge 7. They last faced each other in League 1 on 2021-22 with the Kent side winning both games.

Gillingham’s matchday squad is the healthiest it’s been for a while. Josh Andrews, Sam Vokes and Connor Masterson have been in training, while Andy Smith played a full 90 minutes in the loss last week against Fleetwood Town.

The clubs are currently in the same area of the table, both looking to get into the playoff places, which suggests it should be a tight game. The long-term results favour Gillingham, while recent form puts Cambridge as favourites. Both clubs have the same number of losses all season, but Cambridge have nine wins to Gillingham’s seven.

Given the home advantage and the time of year, this is an important game for Gillingham. It’s vital they show solidity and get a result, or the gap between them and the playoffs will loom ever wider.