Home   Medway   Sport   Article

Gillingham v West Ham United: FA Cup third round preview

League 1 Gillingham will look to cause the upset of the FA Cup third round when they host West Ham United at Priestfield on Sunday evening.

Only a handful of single tickets remain for the hugely-anticipated televised tie against the Premier League big guns, which kicks-off at 6.16pm.

Gillingham boss Steve Evans is all smiles during the second round tie against Doncaster last month. Picture: Ady Kerry
Gillingham boss Steve Evans is all smiles during the second round tie against Doncaster last month. Picture: Ady Kerry

Gillingham boss Steve Evans said: "Priestfield will be packed to the rafters and it's just reward for the players who worked so hard in the first two rounds."

There are 40 places between the teams in the football pyramid. West Ham are 16th in the Premier League – just points above the relegation zone – while Gillingham have climbed to 12th in League 1, only three points outside the play-off places.

Who are the managers?

Gillingham's Steve Evans and West Ham's David Moyes both grew up in Glasgow, playing football for the same club.

But this weekend's FA Cup tie will be the first time they have come head-to-head as managers.

Evans said about Moyes: "He is a good man, I have a lot of respect for him. We have a fantastic relationship but I dearly want to beat him."

Read the full story here

What team will West Ham play?

Many Premier League sides make multiple changes to their side for the early rounds of the FA Cup. The money at stake in the Premier League means a cup run is low on their list of priorities.

But whoever David Moyes names for West Ham will be keen to impress the new manager, who only took charge at the east London club at the end of December.

Gillingham boss Steve Evans wants to see the Hammers play all of their star players at Priestfield. He said: "I want the Gillingham public to see who they see on Match of the Day, to see who they see on the television and I want to see it. I want to be against them, but that's David Moyes' decision."

Read the full story here

Gillingham keeper Jack Bonham. Picture: Ady Kerry
Gillingham keeper Jack Bonham. Picture: Ady Kerry

Who are the key men for Gillingham?

Goalkeeper Jack Bonham is sure to be an important figure if Gillingham are going to cause an upset.

It is the first time he has faced Premier League opposition and Bonham said: "It will be my biggest game, same as some of the other lads, but we have no reason to fear it.

"We know they have some great players but we will go out there and do what we can."

Read the full story here

Gillingham midfielder Olly Lee came through the youth ranks at West Ham and takes on his old club for the first time.

The on-loan Hearts man said: "I have never had the chance to play them since I have left, so it will be great."

Read the full story here

Meanwhile, in goal for West Ham could be former MK Dons keeper David Martin, brother of former Gillingham defender Joe Martin and son of Hammers legend Alvin Martin.

On-loan Gills midfielder Olly Lee came through the ranks at West Ham. Picture: Ady Kerry
On-loan Gills midfielder Olly Lee came through the ranks at West Ham. Picture: Ady Kerry

What is their FA Cup record like?

Gillingham, who have never won the FA Cup, reached the fourth round last season – beating a Premier League team on the way in the third round. A goal by Elliott List saw Gillingham beat Cardiff 1-0 at Priestfield.

Then managed by Steve Lovell, Gillingham were knocked out in the fourth round by Swansea.

The previous year Gillingham lost in the second round to Carlisle after a replay and have also been humbled at the first round stage by non-league Brackley Town after a replay twice in recent seasons – in 2013/14 and 2016/17.

This season, Gillingham have beaten Sunderland 1-0 in a first round replay following a 1-1 draw and won 3-0 against Doncaster Rovers in the second round at Priestfield.

West Ham United have won the FA Cup three times, most recently in 1980 when they defeated Arsenal in the final at Wembley.

Last season they were knocked out by League 1 AFC Wimbledon in the fourth round. You have to go back to 2015/16 for their best run in recent seasons when West Ham reached the quarter-final but were beaten in a replay by Manchester United.

Elliott List scores the winner for Gillingham against Cardiff in the FA Cup third round last season. Picture: Ady Kerry
Elliott List scores the winner for Gillingham against Cardiff in the FA Cup third round last season. Picture: Ady Kerry

How much is the FA Cup run worth to Gillingham?

Just being televised means that Gillingham will earn £150,000 in broadcast fees this evening.

They have already banked over £100,000 from the first two rounds, earning £36,000 prize money in the first round and then £54,000 for round two. In addition, Gillingham's second round tie with Doncaster Rovers was selected for extended BBC coverage which earned them a further £12,500.

Gillingham will also have their share of a virtually sold-out Priestfield crowd to add to the coffers, with boss Steve Evans hoping that could boost his January spending power now the transfer window has reopened.

What are the odds on Sunday's game?

West Ham are odds-on favourites to win the third round tie, priced 8/15 with SkyBet. The draw is 3/1 with Gillingham 9/2 to win the tie in 90 minutes. Gills are 18/1 to win 2-1, the same price as a 1-0 home victory while a 2-0 West Ham victory is priced at 7/1.

How can I watch Gillingham v West Ham?

The best way, of course, is to get a ticket for the game at Priestfield. But if you've not got a ticket then there are three main options:

Match coverage: KentOnline Sport will be keeping you up to date with all the build-up and action via our match blog service with Luke Cawdell at www.kentonline.co.uk.

TV channel: The match will be televised in the UK on BT Sport, with kick-off at 6.16pm.

Live stream: BT Sport subscribers can watch the match online via the BT Sport video player and the BT Sport app.

Read more: All the latest sports news in Kent

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More