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Robbie Blake's stomach problems had cleared up we were told weeks ago but that, as we said at the time, is not the case and he missed both games last week and wasn't included in the reserve team squad. We did suggest that Blake was in need of a hernia operation some time ago but that idea was slammed by Stan Ternent at the time.
Paul Weller has a cartilage problem that is in need of surgery but he has opted to continue playing until the end of the season although it means he cannot train. Had he had the operation as planned three weeks ago it would have put him out of the remaining games.
Other than that Ian Cox is still out but Graham Branch and Lenny Johnrose both came through reserve team games although I don't expect either of them to be close to the starting line up.
If considered fit enough I would expect Steve Davis to start and other than that I think the team could be unchanged from the one that started at Portsmouth and that was: Nik Michopoulos, Dean West, Mitchell Thomas, Steve Davis, Lee Briscoe, Paul Weller, Kevin Ball, Tony Grant, Alan Moore, Ian Moore, David Johnson. The subs would be selected from: Gordon Armstrong, Arthur Gnohere, Graham Branch, Paul Gascoigne, Glen Little, Paul Cook, Graham Branch, Andy Payton and Gareth Taylor.
For Gillingham Nyron Nosworthy is definitely out after tearing his hamstring on Monday and leading goalscorer Marlon King is also doubtful with a hamstring injury although no decision will be made in King's case until the last possible moment. Simon Osborn only returned to action on Monday after an achilles injury and he is considered a doubt.
Mark Saunders could come in for Nosworthy although they could recall Barry Ashby for the first time since early March in the centre of defence and move Chris Hope to full back.
Should King not make it then Ipoua is expected to take his place unless they decide to play with just one striker in a 4-5-1 formation.
The expected Gillingham line up is: Jason Brown, Barry Ashby, Chris Hope, Guy Butters, David Perpetuini; Paul Smith, Mark Saunders, Simon Osborn; Paul Shaw, Iffy Onuora, Guy Ipoua. Subs: Vince Bartram, Kevin James, Ty Gooden, Marcus Browning, Danny Spiller.