Galloping Gillingham could surprise busy Blackpool

Midweek preview

There are just two Sky Bet League One matches on the midweek coupon but it may be worthwhile getting involved in both as Gillingham look overpriced for a home win against Blackpool and Charlton are decent value to win on the road at Walsall.

The Gills make the greatest appeal as outsiders to take advantage of a weary Blackpool side preparing for a third match in seven days.

Last Wednesday Blackpool gave Arsenal a run for their money in the EFL Cup fourth round, losing 2-1 at the Emirates.

But the occasion took a mental and physical toll and Blackpool were below their best on Saturday, losing 3-0 at home to struggling Bristol Rovers.

Seasiders manager Terry McPhillips mentioned tiredness as a major factor and cited the absence of suspended players Armand Gnanduillet and Paudie O'Connor plus injured goalkeeper Mark Howard (thigh) and defender Donervon Daniels (hamstring).

Gnanduillet and O'Connor's bans are still in place but McPhillips has not ruled out a return for Howard and Daniels, whose injuries are thought to be short term. Even if both are back in the side it's still likely to be tough for Blackpool, who are up against a Gills side chasing a third home victory in 11 days.

Gillingham have registered successive wins over Bradford (4-0) and Fleetwood (3-0) with towering striker Tom Eaves helping himself to two goals in each game, taking his league tally to 11.

It looks a bad time to face Steve Lovell's side, who are set to move further away from the drop zone.

Charlton can climb into the top six by beating Walsall at the Bescot Stadium.

A lack of consistency has frustrated Charlton manager Lee Bowyer because he believes his side should be targeting a top-six finish.

Bowyer's confidence is probably justified because Charlton are blessed with two quality strikers, Karlan Ahearne-Grant and Lyle Taylor, who have notched eight league goals each.

Taylor is rated doubtful due to playing with a hip injury in Saturday's 2-0 success at home to Doncaster but the Addicks should have enough about them to see off the Saddlers, who are on the slide after three losses in their last four games.

Recommendations
Gillingham
2pts 19-10 bet365, Betfred, Sky Bet

Bet on this match at Soccerbase.com

Charlton
1pt 29-20 bet365

Bet on this match at Soccerbase.com

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