Three games into the 2017/18 campaign and the Gills are still awaiting their first victory and first goal.

They hold the unwanted tag of being the only team in the EFL without hitting the net since the current campaign got underway.

Southend make the short trip into Kent looking to steal the points and increase the pressure on Gills head coach Ady Pennock.

Head to head;

Gills wins 45 Draws 29 Southend wins 36

The last meeting – Gillingham 2 Southend 1

Josh Wright scored twice when the two sides last met, earning the Gills three points and ending a run of 11 games without a win. It was Ady Pennock’s first victory as head coach, nine games into his tenure.

Click here for the report

Man in the middle – Charles Breakspear

Games refereed this season: 5 (17 yellows/ 1 red)

His last game at Priestfield came in April, when he was the man in the middle for Gills’ game against Millwall.

He denied Lee Martin a penalty and later in the game booked him for a foul. Martin handed the referee some loose change during the match, which had been thrown onto the field by the visiting fans.

Assistants: Marc Wilson & Samuel Ogles. Fourth official: Adrian Waters

One to watch - Stephen McLaughlin

He has scored against the Gills the last three times he has played against them, although none ended in a win. Speaking to the Southend Echo, he said: “It would be great if that could continue, only this time with a win as well.”

League form;

Gills: L 1-0 MK Dons (A), L 1-0 v Bradford (H), D 0-0 v Doncaster (A).

Southend: D 1-1 Plymouth (H), L 0-5 Rotherham (A), W 2-1 v Blackburn (H).

Last time out – MK Dons 1 Gillingham 0

The Gills had plenty of chances in the attacking third but just one shot on target. Josh Wright fired a late penalty kick over the bar and with it the chance of Gillingham gaining a well-earned point.

Gills team news;

Scott Wagstaff (thigh) is back in training and should be available for selection. Gills will hope Billy Bingham (foot) can return to action but will again be without suspended striker Conor Wilkinson.

Bradley Garmston (calf) and Aaron Morris (knee) are long-term injuries.

Talking point;

Gillingham’s lack of goals are clearly the biggest concern. Should Ady Pennock finally give Liam Nash a start? The Essex-boy, who scored freely in non-league before moving to the Gills, would relish a chance to shoot down a team from his home county.

View from the Gills;

Gills boss Ady Pennock feels his side have been harshly treated by the officials so far this season.

Click here to see what he had to say ahead of the weekend game.

More on the Gills;

New keeper Steve Arnold is enjoying being back in the full-time game

The Shouting Men: Luke O'Neill looks ahead to the visit of his former team

Scally considers legal action after an article in The Sun newspaper

Gills youngster joins Folkestone Invicta on loan

Young striker the latest to sent out on loan by Gills

Fancy a punt;

Skybet have Gills at 11/5 to win, 5/2 the draw and 23/20 for a Southend win. Liam Nash is 5/2 to score in 90 minutes while Jermaine McGlashan is 7/2 to score against his former club. You can get 15/8 on Gills producing another blank infront of goal. (odds correct at time of publication)

Win, lose or draw?

If you can't get to the game, follow kentonlinegills on twitter for match updates on Saturday.