[England League Two] Gillingham-Southend United Over 2.5 [-130] Gillingham has had some issues defensively recently with nine goals allowed in their last three league matches. Southend has also been leaky, conceding two goals in each of their last five. On the road, Southend has given up multiple goals in five of their last six. They have been a solid scoring outfit though with multiple strikes in ten of 14 road matches. Gillingham has some explosive ability to score with three goals or better in three of their last five at home. In reading, the Southend United manager has been none-to-pleased with his side's recent performance, suggesting he's not settled on anyone specific to start today. That could be lip service to light a fire under his squad or not. Gillingham has chosen to go with their rookie keeper today, a 20-year old who is making his 1st start I believe. That could lead to some shaky situations hopefully for this cause. Look for lineups and make sure Kedwell is in for Gillingham. That's their leading scorer who has been troubled with a virus the last week. He is expected to start, but you definitely want this guy in there if goals are going to be found here.
Gillingham goalkeeper Ross Flitney is facing around a month on the sidelines after undergoing knee surgery.
The 27-year-old has been an ever-present for Andy Hessenthaler's men in npower League Two this season, but Paul Gazzaniga is now poised to start Monday's televised clash with Southend.
Darren Hawkes has been recalled from his loan spell at Maidstone and will come into the Gills squad as goalkeeping cover.