The League Two campaign kicks off this weekend as promotion hopefuls Gillingham and Carlisle United face off at the Priestfield Stadium on Saturday.
The Gills come into this match under new management following a disappointing 2023/24 campaign, finishing 12th with only 46 goals scored. Former Cambridge United boss Mark Bonner took over weeks after the League Two season came to a close and has addressed the evident issues at the club, bringing in the likes of Jack Nolan and Elliott Nevitt, who had prolific spells in front of goal last year.
Gills chairman Brad Galinson has publicly said that he expects promotion and has proven that he is not scared to make a change after the dismissals of Neil Harris and Stephen Clemence last season.
Following relegation straight back into League Two, Paul Simpson's Carlisle will be looking to bounce back at the first time of asking. Despite their abysmal 2023/24 campaign, the Cumbrians have reason to be optimistic going into this year, with this being their first summer since the takeover by the Piatak family.
United have strengthened this summer with the additions of centre-halves Aaron Hayden, Terell Thomas and prolific striker Charlie Wyke.
Team news
Gillingham
The hosts will be without strikers Elliott Nevitt and Josh Andrews, with the gaffer not being able to give a timescale for their absences. Ethan Coleman will also miss Saturday's clash but is working hard to regain fitness.
Shot-stopper Jake Turner is expected to be between the sticks on Saturday after missing last week's friendly at Woking with an ankle issue. Armani Little could join him in the matchday squad as he edges closer to full fitness.
New signings Jacob Wakeling and Euan Williams will be available for selection, with the latter signing on Tuesday following a successful trial spell with the club.
Carlisle United
The visitors are light in midfield currently, with Dylan McGeouch, Ethan Robson and Taylor Charters all set to be sidelined, potentially opening up an opportunity for centre-back Ben Barclay to start in midfield.
After being named club captain this week, Charlie Wyke is expected to lead the line for the Cumbrians.
Likely lineups
Gillingham
Turner; Hutton, Ehmer, Masterson, Clark; McKenzie, Dieng; Nolan, J. Williams, Rowe; Wakeling.
Carlisle
Lewis; Hayden, Mellish, Thomas; Davies, Neal, Vela, Barclay, Harper; Wyke, Adu-Adjei.
Key players
Gillingham - Jacob Wakeling
Set to make his Gills debut on Saturday, striker Jacob Wakeling signed for the the club on loan last week from Peterborough United.
The 22-year-old signed for the Posh a year ago from Swindon Town; however, injury issues meant he was only able to appear nine times last season.
Wakeling has had success at this level with Swindon, where he scored eight and assisted six in the 2022/23 season, forging a great relationship with current Gills players Remeao Hutton and Jonny Williams.
A loan at Gillingham gives Wakeling a perfect opportunity to find that Swindon form again, especially with injuries to fellow strikers Josh Andrews and Elliott Nevitt.
Carlisle - Charlie Wyke
Returning to Cumbria after spells at the likes of Sunderland and Wigan Athletic, Charlie Wyke could prove to be a great piece of business for Paul Simpson's side.
Wyke's health issues in recent years have been well documented, but he was able to net nine times last season for Wigan and Rotherham United.
The 31-year-old is a huge threat in the box, proving over the years that he can score many types of goals as well as providing great leadership in the dressing room.
If Wyke can find anything close to the 39 goals he scored in his last spell at Brunton Park, United could well and truly be in the mix for promotion this season.
Match details
Where is the game being played?
The match is being played at the Priestfield Stadium, home of Gillingham FC since 1893.
What time is kick-off?
Kick-off is set for 15:00 BST on Saturday, August 10.
Where can I watch?
The match will be shown on the brand-new Sky Sports+ channel, along with every other EFL fixture this weekend.
