It's the first instance in over a decade of what might be termed the ‘inoffensive derby’, after York and Gillingham were voted the least disliked clubs in a football league fan survey back in 2003. What can we expect from Gareth Ainsworth’s side as they make a first ever visit to the LNER?
We’ve met before…
York and Gillingham have been semi-regular leaguemates over the years, with 38 meetings across their history. The head-to-head record is fairly even, with Gillingham having 12 wins to York's 11, and 15 of the games having been drawn. The clubs have only met twice in the 21st century, however, when both found themselves in League Two for the 2012/13 season. Both of those meetings ended in draws, with a 1-1 draw at Priestfield in January followed by a goalless draw at Bootham Crescent just two weeks later.
Some of the historic encounters between the sides have been more memorable. In 1984/85, York romped to a 7-1 win over the Gills at Bootham Crescent, with Keith Houchen hitting a hat-trick, although Gillingham would end up higher in the Third Division table come the season's end. Another big win over the Kent side came towards the end of the 1992/93 season, when a Paul Barnes brace helped Alan Little's promotion-chasing York side to a 4-1 win.
What to expect from Gillingham
Gillingham are heading into Saturday’s game full of confidence, as they sit top of the League Two form table over the last five matches. Their season started badly with a 3-0 opening-day defeat at home against Walsall, but this was followed by three draws and then three wins, with the most recent an impressive 3-0 victory over Bristol Rovers. They are also still yet to lose an away game in the league in 2026/27. This strong start reflects manager Gareth Ainsworth’s aim to push towards the top end of the league this season after a disappointing lower mid-table finish in the 2025/26 campaign.
Ainsworth has been setting his side up in a similar 3-4-2-1 shape to York this season, but in playing style the Gills take a different approach. Ainsworth’s sides are not known for being particularly focused on keeping possession, and this is supported by the data that puts them 17th in the league for both average possession (45.9%) and accurate passes per game. He does place a strong emphasis on intensity and aggression off the ball, which perhaps explains why they rank top of the league for interceptions per game and second for tackles per game. Key to their strong early season form has been how quickly their new signings such as James Brophy and Nick Freeman have adapted to their roles in the team.
Ollie Wright will start in goal, having impressed since joining on loan from Southampton. In front of him, the back three is settled: well-travelled summer signing Omar Beckles offers experience, and lining up alongside him should be Andy Smith and Logan Dobbs. The 20-year-old Dobbs has been described by Ainsworth as a “surprise package” this season, having done well since coming into the defence due to injuries to captain Liam Gordon and Sam Tabares.
At right wing-back, Nick Freeman has made a bright start to his Gillingham career after joining from Shrewsbury in the summer, with three assists to his name already this season. The left wing-back role has generally been taken by Conor McManus, but he is away on international duty with Republic of Ireland U21. The versatile James Brophy should slot in there instead, having spent most of the season in a more attacking role. Brophy has also thrived since joining from Cambridge, scoring three goals so far in 2026/27 including a superb solo effort at Rochdale.
In the two deeper-lying midfield positions, injuries to the likes of Zech Obiero and Armani Little earlier in the season led Ainsworth to bring in Eli King from Cardiff on deadline day. King will probably line up alongside Robbie McKenzie, who is now in his seventh season with the club. Ethan Coleman offers another option, having returned from injury and got some game time in the EFL Trophy in midweek, but may have to settle for a place on the bench.
One of the two attacking midfield roles behind the striker may go to 19-year-old Harry Waldock, who has recently broken into the first team after spending time on loan at Whitehawk and Cray Valley Wanderers last season. The other spot could be taken by Gambian U20 international Lamin Sillah, who is on loan at Priestfield from Nottingham Forest. Another young loanee, Sheldon Kendall from Millwall, is one to watch as an impact sub having come off the bench to score twice against Bristol Rovers last weekend. Other options include the 39-year-old Garath McCleary and the talented Bradley Dack who has recently returned from a spell out with injury, but both are most likely to be named among the substitutes.
Ronan Hale is expected to retain his place at centre-forward, having started every league game this season and notched two goals so far. A more physically imposing option up front is Will Goodwin, who joined from Oxford United in the summer, but his minutes have been managed carefully after a recent ankle problem.
York team news
Scott Lindsey has generally stuck with a similar line-up in the league so far this season, but teased the prospect of changes to the starting eleven after expressing disappointment at City’s second half showing in the 2-0 defeat at Chesterfield. Having made his first start for the club in the EFL Trophy against Rotherham in midweek, Frankie Maguire could be pushing to claim one of the attacking midfield slots, with Joe Grey perhaps most likely to be rested. Other players who performed solidly in midweek and may be in contention to start include Arthur Read, Joe Felix and Jovan Malcolm.
In terms of City’s injury list, Zech Medley is set for a spell on the sidelines after sustaining a hamstring tear during the Rotherham game, but Jack Hunt is expected to shake off the knock he picked up. Lindsey has confirmed that Hiram Boateng and Morgan Williams are currently on course for a mid-October return, while Josh Stones has returned to light training and is targeting a comeback in a month or so.
Excellent preview. I'm feeling very uncomfortable about this one. I'll be sitting in my usual West Stand seat with my Gills shirt concealed beneath my jacket and my mouth firmly shut. (The away supporters' tickets sold out before I could get one.)