Gillingham v Crewe Alex 25-26 Preview - Chasing History

Well, this whole opening section has had to have a rewrite. I was going to post about how Gillingham are low scoring. And to be fair, for the most part, they are. But their demolition of Chesterfield on Tuesday by a 4-1 scoreline has made me rethink. Ok, 2 of their 4 goals were penalties, but they still showed that they might be breaking out of their low scoring ways a bit. I suppose we'll have to wait and see. Here though is a clash between 2 unbeaten records, as the Alex's put their 2 game away winning streak against Gillingham's 2 game home winning streak. One of those records is about to end. Here is my preview of the game:

Better Record

The Alex have found it tough going at this ground. In fact, their barren run stretches longer and longer with each passing season. They are now 0-2-5 in their last 7 visits here, with only 2 goals scored in that time. Things have improved slightly recently, with two 0-0 draws, but given they went on a run between 2008 and 2014 where they won 4 in a row and scored 13 goals in this stadium, this latest poor run could do with coming to an end.

Improved Showing

It's also hopeful that the Alex can have a better showing. Because so often when they come to Priestfield, they don't for one reason or another. The 2-0 defeat in August 2014 was in a season where they finished 20th in League One. The 3-0 in March 2016 was when they were weeks away from relegation.

The 4-1 loss in January 2021 was a behind closed doors Covid game at 6pm in the middle of January. The 1-0 defeat in February 2022 was in another relegation season. The 0-0 in 23-24 was in the middle of their stutter at the end of the season. And last season, they came here crippled by injury and having to play through Ryan Cooney's stupid red card when they were on top in the 2nd half. Hopefully this time, they'll be able to do themselves justice.

Threats, but....

Gillingham look very close to a complete team. The ageless wonder of Glenn Morris in goal. A strong left hand side of defence in Sam Gale and Max Clark. A deep midfield containing Armani Little, Ethan Coleman, Johnnie Williams and Bradley Dack. Plenty of attacking options in Nevitt, Andrews, Gbode, Wyllie, Rowe, the now fit Vokes and the soon to be returning Seb Palmer-Houlden.

However, if there is a weakness to them, it's on the right side of their defence. Remeao Hutton is a strong attack minded wing back, but defensively he's not great. Next to him is likely to be midfielder-by-trade Robbie McKenzie, slotting in at emergency RCB due to injuries to Shad Ogie and Conor Masterson. That side of the pitch is an area I'd like to see them target and hopefully Agius(2 goals) and Hutchinson(2 goals) can find some gaps to exploit.

Ainsworth-Ball

We know exactly what sort of game Gareth Ainsworth is coming with in this one. Given he was a silky, goalscoring midfielder in his playing days, you'd think his teams would be good on the eye. Yeah, no. Gillingham, much like his Wycombe teams were, are route one and effective. They rank 23rd in successful passes per game and 19th in average possession. They don't score many, but don't concede many either. Maybe the Alex's new found style of play can liven this game up, but Gillingham won't come to play football. They'll come to physically bully the Alex into submission.

Unbeaten

That being said, you can't deny that Ainsworth knows how to get results. The Gills are unbeaten in 13 league games under him stretching back to the end of March. He's turned them into a formidable outfit, especially at home where they have conceded just 2 goals in the 7 league games under his charge. They'll be a tough nut to crack and if the Alex's new found attacking talents can breach this defence, then the sky really could be the limit.

Chasing History

After the win hammering of Fleetwood on Tuesday, the Alex have the chance to equal their best ever start to a season with another win here. As we know, that start was from the 94-95 season, when they won their first 5 in a row, which has already been mentioned. But still, it's worth repeating, given how unprecedented this start to the season has been. Winning here would not only represent a banishing of the demons from their last few visits to Priestfield, but be a huge statement of intent from them and would equal history. Hopefully that's enough of an incentive to go and grab another win.

Ref Watch

Ben Speedie

Speedie was the ref for the Alex's home game with Fleetwood last season. I noted he was poor, but then given most refs are, that's not saying much. I'll say this for him, he's been a busy boy this season. 5 games already is impressive given there have only been 5 game days(4 league, 1 cup). Here he makes it 6 out of 6.

2025-26 Record: 5 games(1 Championship, 2 League One, 1 League Two, 1 EFL Cup), 17 yellows, 1 red

Last Game: Plymouth Argyle 0-1 Leyton Orient, EFL Championship 19th August 2025, 3 yellows

Crewe Alex Record: 2-1-4, 15 yellows, 1 red

Injuries/Suspensions

Gillingham

The Gills are a bit short at the back. They are missing Shad Ogie and Conor Masterson as mentioned, which meant that their 7 man bench on Tuesday contained a sub keeper, 2 midfielders and 4 attackers. They are still without star signing Seb Palmer-Houlden, but they still have a wealth of other options, as already mentioned, including the returning from suspension Max Clark.

Crewe Alex

There was good news from the treatment room as Louis Moult was revealed to be in contention. Still, they said that last week and he wasn't, so until he's back in the squad, I won't be too optimistic. Matus Holicek is 2 weeks away from contention it sounds like, which is also positive, whilst Jack Lankester is another 2-3 weeks behind him. They could be getting depth back just at the right time.

Team

If it isn't broke, don't fix it. Again, I think the temptation for Bell will be to find a place for James Golding, given his impressive frame. Whether that's at CB in a back 5 or in CM, he'll be tempted to start the big man. But I just don't think there is any call for that at this stage.

The biggest decision Bell will have to make though is if Conor Thomas is fit, does he come back in for Jack Powell, who was so impressive on Tuesday at Fleetwood? It's a tough call, but I'd go with the hot hand and start Powell. The rest of the team picks itself, barring any unforeseen issues.

Score Prediction

This is the longest away trip of the season for the Alex. As I felt with Fleetwood, if they can emerge from this game with their unbeaten record intact, I'd be delighted to be honest. They've been incredible to start the season, but as we know, this is L2 and eventually, all good runs come to an end. I hope it's not in this game, but if it is, I hope they can dig in and get a draw.

Gillingham 1-1 Crewe Alexandra