Gillingham welcome Walsall to the Priestfield Stadium on the opening weekend of the 2026/27 League Two season.
Both sides tend to start campaigns strongly, making this a match to keep an eye on in League Two.
Last season, Walsall and Gillingham were both in the top three at the beginning of October. However, subsequent poor form saw them finish 13th and 17th, respectively.
Contrasting cup results
Lee Grant's Walsall pulled off one of the shocks of the Carabao Cup first round as they defeated Championship side Bristol City 1-0.
Aaron Pressley's second-half strike proved to be the winner, setting up a second-round tie at home to Leyton Orient, but not without heroics from shot-stopper Jed Ward, who made 10 saves on the night.
Gillingham, however, were comfortably defeated 3-0 at the hands of Luton Town.
Gareth Ainsworth admitted he was "glad that happened last week" and insisted that his side will be ready come the first game of the league campaign.
Head-to-head record
The Kent side just about lead the head-to-head record with 48 victories to Walsall's 47. A further 29 have ended as a draw.
The last meeting between the clubs saw a dejected Gillingham, on the back of five consecutive losses, take a point away from the Black Country in a 2-2 draw.
Walsall's Aaron Loupalo-Bi opened the scoring with a header from a Courtney Clarke cross, netting his first EFL goal.
The Gills emerged from the break with renewed confidence, with strikes from Ronan Hale and Seb Palmer-Houlden giving them the lead.
A swift reply from loanee Daniel Kanu put the Saddlers back on level terms as the match ended in a stalemate.
Team news
Gillingham
Gareth Ainsworth will wait for an update on the fitness of goalkeeper Ollie Wright. Last week, the Gills had to draft in Owen Mason from Mansfield Town on an emergency loan.
Centre-back Liam Gordon is in line to make his debut after serving a suspension from his time in Scotland. The former St Johnstone man is expected to take the armband.
Garath McCleary, Armani Little and Cameron Antwi have made progress on the training pitch and will push to be involved.
Walsall
Alex Pattison and Harry Williams will not make the trip as they continue to recover from their respective injuries.
Ryan Leak came off injured during the first half of their match against Bristol City but could be fit enough to feature.
Right-back Roman Dixon could make his first appearance for the Saddlers, having signed a two-year deal on Tuesday following his release from Everton.
Likely lineups
Gillingham: Wright; Freeman, Smith, Gordon, Dobbs, Harris; Albarus, McKenzie; Brophy; Hale, Goodwin.
Walsall: Ward; Ahui, Burke, Skura, Hancock; Clarke, Moore, Sprangler, Smith; Pressley, Dallas.
Key players
Gillingham - Will Goodwin
Signed on a free transfer, 24-year-old striker Will Goodwin could prove instrumental to how Gareth Ainsworth wants to play.
The target man spent last term on loan at Colchester United, where he found the net on four occasions for Danny Cowley's side.
The Gillingham boss has previously found success with the likes of Adebayo Akinfenwa and Sam Vokes during his tenure with Wycombe, and he will be encouraged by the glimpses he has seen so far in pre-season and the League Cup.
Walsall - Reece Smith
Left winger Reece Smith enjoyed an impressive debut for Walsall, assisting the winning goal against Bristol City.
The 24-year-old joined the Saddlers on an initial three-year deal from Harrogate Town for an undisclosed fee.
In his first season in the EFL, he impressed in Yorkshire despite the club's relegation from League Two, scoring three and assisting eight goals.
Also available to play as a number 10, Smith offers Lee Grant versatility, pace and energy as they aim to start their campaign with three points.
Match details
Where is the game being played?
The match is being played at Gillingham's Priestfield Stadium.
What time is kick-off?
Kick-off is set for 15:00 BST on Saturday, 15th August.
Where can I watch?
The action will be streamed live on Sky Sports +.
